dadAWESOME: Recent Episodes

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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 cannot yet see. Chad Johnson joins with a segment unpacking his Giant Five framework and why putting career first costs a man everything that matters.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Intentional dads need a system. Without one, you chase whatever is loudest instead of the people you love most.
2. The Giant Five framework orders your priorities: faith, marriage, children, health, and work. Most men have that list upside down.
3. You were never meant to search alone. Partners spot what you miss and call you higher when you drift.
4. Love sometimes looks like challenge instead of comfort, especially when your kids are settling into ease.
5. You don't have to search the whole field today. Move the rope a few feet and walk the line again.

QUOTES

"I really am okay with stirring the pot." (Chad Johnson)

"Live like a movie you'd want to watch with your children and grandchildren." (Chad Johnson)

"I call it turning success upside down." (Chad Johnson)

"Any fruit that anybody ever sees in my life is in spite of me." (Chad Johnson)

"Don't get overwhelmed with the entire field. One pass at a time." (Jeff Zaugg)

ABOUT CHAD JOHNSON

Chad Johnson is a father of eleven, an entrepreneur, and the creator of the Giant Five framework, a simple system for keeping faith, marriage, children, health, and calling in their right order. He is known for pushing his family toward character over comfort, including relocating them to Los Angeles for five months so his kids could work in his business facility. Chad previously joined DadAwesome for episodes 216 and 217.

ACTION STEPS

REFLECTION

Map your fields. Get a piece of paper and map your current life as a dad. Where does connection feel distant? Is there a child where things feel cold? Where could you raise your game in pursuing your wife or your time with God?

Be honest about the gap. Name what you are hoping for in each area. Without naming the hope, you cannot see the distance between where you are and where you want to be.

Run the Giant Five. Faith, marriage, children, health, work. Pray through which one is currently getting your leftovers. For many men it is work that needs to be turned upside down. For others it is the opposite, and career needs more drive because provision is the real need.

Celebrate one win. Look back and name one victory. Do not skip this part.

MULTIPLICATION

Name your partners. Who are the other dads in this adventure with you? Is there a rhythm of meeting? Is there a text thread already going? The field search never would have worked alone.

Get the free small group curriculum. Send a voice message with your name, where you are located, and your idea for a fall small group. You will get the three page PDF back.

Send a few texts. Invite two or three dads to listen to episode 446 so you are all working from the same framework.

Use the side door. Extend a tangible invitation: the Spartan race in Dallas on October 17, or the fall 100 mile running challenge.

ACTIVATION

Block the time. Put a block on your calendar this week for deeper work on the Giant Five. Do not just listen and move on.

Open Luke 15:3 through 7 with your family. Read the parable of the shepherd who leaves the 99, then tell your kids directly: this is how I feel about you. I will always come looking for you.

Pause and pray first. Before stepping into any of these areas, stop and pray, the same way Jeff and his sister did before they started the search.

Move the rope. Ask God for one area where you can move the rope seven or eight feet tomorrow. One pass at a time.

Keep celebrating. Look at what God has done and mark it.

Go deeper. DadAwesome Labs for Chapter 11 is linked below with additional activations and discussion questions.

LINKS MENTIONED

• Spartan Team DadAwesome, Dallas, Texas, October 17 https://givebutter.com/DallasSpartan
• DadAwesome 100 Mile Fall Running Challenge - https://givebutter.com/dadawesome100
• Leave a VOICEMAIL: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome
• Join Team Awesomeness (monthly support team) at any level from $7/month to $1000/month... We have 41 families committed to fueling the ministry DadAwesome as we head toward celebrating 9 years of AWESOMENESS this coming winter: https://www.dadawesome.org/give
• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Labs, Chapter 11:
• Episode 216 with Chad Johnson: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/216
• Episode 217 with Chad Johnson: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/217

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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 this chapter from the DadAwesome book, Jeff makes the case that most dads are doing the same thing with their own identity: parenting from poverty while holding access to infinite resources, working to earn what's already been freely given.

TAKEAWAYS

• Your unawareness doesn't change your position. Not knowing who those customers were didn't subtract a dollar from their net worth — and forgetting you're God's son doesn't change that you are one. It only changes how you show up.
• The clipboard teaches conditional love. When affection gets tracked point by point, kids learn love is something they earn.
• Most of us carry that invisible scoreboard straight into adulthood and into our relationship with God.
• God set the scoreboard to infinity. Not a clipboard with changing numbers — a gymnasium scoreboard with the infinity symbol permanently displayed.
• You can't add to it with your wins or subtract from it with your failures. (It's why the DA logo looks the way it does.) Employee mindset and son mindset produce two different fathers. One strives, fears mistakes, measures worth by performance, and competes for attention. The other rests, lives from security, measures worth by belonging, and celebrates other people's wins.
• Position changes the daily stuff. Instead of managing behavior, you cultivate hearts. Instead of panicking about finances, you remember your Father owns everything. Instead of shame spirals, you experience conviction that leads to growth.

TEAM DADAWESOME SPONSORS:

Aleph Ventures — Twin Cities based, partnering with and supporting painting companies across the country to calibrate, deepen impact, and go further than they could alone. https://www.aleph-ventures.com/

TRACK CPA — Minnesota-based, nationwide tax, accounting, bookkeeping, and financial services. https://trackcpa.com/

QUOTES

"My ignorance of their position didn't change their actual wealth. It only affected how I interacted with them."

"Over time, that clipboard became a symbol of conditional love. I learned that affection was something I earned — point by point, performance by performance."

"My heavenly Father has set the scoreboard to infinity. It can't increase with my successes or decrease with my failures. I can't add to infinity. I can't subtract from it."

"We parent from poverty when we have access to infinite resources — striving for acceptance we already possess and working for approval that's already been given."

"You're not God's employee, you're His son. And sonship is where fatherhood begins."

Bonus — Jamie Winship: "Parenting is very much about the identity of the dad. The greatest gift you can give to your kids is the truth of who you are."

ACTION STEPS

1. Reflection

Name your clipboard. Every one of us has an area — points, grades, obedience, success, output — where we experienced conditional love. Name it, and name what pushed you toward living like an employee instead of an heir. Do the two-column audit. Am I living like an employee, or like a loved son and heir? Scarcity or abundance? (Downloadable PDF in the show notes.) Ask the two questions. Borrowed from Jamie Winship: sit alone with God, settle down, and ask, "What are the things I believe about myself that hurt me?" Name the disappointments, the failures, the places you feel like you're not enough. Then ask the follow-up: "Jesus, what do you say about me?"

1. Multiplication

Send a couple of texts. Invite other dads into episode 445 and grow a circle of men who are growing alongside you. Join the prayer team. Team DadAwesome — 55 men — rides this Saturday to fuel fatherhood ministry. Give 20 minutes of prayer sometime Saturday morning, August 1st. Let's multiply in prayer.

1. Activation

Start tomorrow with a declaration. Before you check your phone, before your to-do list starts talking, answer whose you are — and say it out loud, don't just think it: "I am a loved son of God." Remind your kids the scoreboard is set to infinity. Tell them, "I love you because you're mine," not because of what they accomplished. Try, "I'm so glad I get to be your dad. I'm so thankful you're my son." Take the holy pause. When you feel a critique or a scorecard-based thought forming, catch it before it comes out. Notice the moments you'd communicate more love if they performed. Ask your spouse. "Are there ways or times I communicate a lack of love because of a performance or a mistake?"

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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, and how one choice in a tense room trickles down for generations. This episode closes with clear reflection, multiplication, and activation steps you can take this week.

Key Takeaways

• You are living into a multigenerational story, and this chapter is only a tiny slice of it.
• Curiosity opens doors. Reactivity closes them.
• You cannot eliminate chaos, but you can shape how it unfolds.
• Stones of remembrance are about keeping the stories alive, not preserving the reminders.
• Giving a blessing when you have received a criticism changes the atmosphere of a room.

Action Steps

REFLECTION

Look back at the chaos. When curveballs hit recently, were you reacting or responding? Were you making assumptions or staying curious and asking God what He wanted to teach you in that moment?

Open your phone and look back at the last month. Scroll your photos, scroll your calendar. Where has God shown up that you have not paused long enough to call to mind?

Ask the honest question. If your kids described the atmosphere you carry into the room right now, would tenderness make the list? Would softness? Would kindness?

MULTIPLICATION

Send the text. Reach out to seven or eight dads and invite them to journey with you through the end of August. If two or three say yes, you have moved from addition to multiplication.

Pick your gathering. A text thread, a campfire, a boat, a camping trip with your kids. Make one specific invite this week.

Carry a copy. Keep an extra DadAwesome book in your vehicle or your laptop bag and look for the moment to hand it to a dad and tell him you see him being awesome.

ACTIVATION

Start a family remembrance list. Sit down together, scroll photos and your calendar, and capture the answered prayers, the provision, the goodness, the moments God showed up. Let every kid contribute.

Tell the stories out loud. At the dinner table or at bedtime, tell your kids one story of God's faithfulness in your family.

Flip the switch this week. The next time a curveball comes, choose curiosity first. Laugh at the moment. Show your kids that dad is anchored and steady, not thrown off.

Timestamps

03:00 This week's theme is story 04:00 Chapter 2, The Tale of Two Thieves 06:24 React or respond, curiosity or reactivity 08:49 The Dad Detective's approach, five practices 11:11 Crafting your family's story 12:45 Stones of remembrance 14:30 Building your family's remembrance list 18:21 Remember this 19:20 Setting up the Phil Comer clip 20:20 Phil Comer on tenderness, blessing, and the choices we pass down 26:45 Action steps: reflection, multiplication, activation

Guest

Phil Comer is a husband, father, and grandfather with 40 years of pastoral and counseling experience. After planting a church in 2004, Phil and his wife, Diane, went on to launch Intentional Parents International, a ministry equipping young parents and providing focused teaching in the spiritual training of children. This clip comes from episode 317.

Links Mentioned

• Listen to the full conversation with Phil Comer: DadAwesome Episode 317
• Intentional Parents: intentionalparents.org
• Spartan Team DadAwesome, Dallas, Texas, October 17 https://givebutter.com/DallasSpartan
• DadAwesome 100 Mile Fall Running Challenge - https://givebutter.com/dadawesome100
• Leave a VOICEMAIL: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome
• Join Team Awesomeness (monthly support team) at any level from $7/month to $1000/month... We have 41 families committed to fueling the ministry DadAwesome as we head toward celebrating 9 years of AWESOMENESS this coming winter: https://www.dadawesome.org/give
• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book

Top Five Quotes 1. "The current chapter of dad life is not the whole story." 2. "You can't eliminate chaos, but you can shape how it unfolds." 3. "Your kids are watching how you handle the unexpected. What story are you writing?" 4. "It's not about preserving the physical reminders. It's about keeping the stories alive." 5. Phil Comer: "If you, with God's help, can give a blessing when you've received a criticism or a curse, it brings peace and it honors God."

Tags DadAwesome, Jeff Zaugg, Phil Comer, DadAwesome Multipliers, fatherhood, christian dad, dad life, parenting, dad podcast, intentional parenting, story, legacy, generational blessing, stones of remembrance, God's faithfulness, curiosity, marriage, tenderness, scripture, Intentional Parents

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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 activation steps, and a giveaway.

https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/443

In Part 1, Jeff Zaugg sets the flyover. He reads the book's dedication and preface, tracing how one casual patio question from his cousin in Arizona, "How do you stay intentional as a dad?", exposed that he was pouring growth into every area of life except fatherhood. That single unanswered question sparked a ten week experiment with twenty friends, a first episode filmed at the base of a snowy sledding hill, a name change from DadVentures to DadAwesome, and eventually a movement built on hundreds of small yeses. The episode closes with a two minute clip from Jeff's first ever interview with Mark Batterson, who wrote the forward for the book.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Intentional fatherhood starts with a question, not a program. Staying awake to "How do you stay intentional as a dad?" changed everything.
• The mission runs on two turnings from Malachi 4:6, hearts toward heaven and hearts toward home.
• Read to lead. You don't need 250 books, but read a dozen so you can lead on the home front.
• Your mistakes are one of your greatest teaching tools. Kids learn to apologize by watching you do it.
• Prioritize your children, don't idolize them. Batterson names that as a big difference.
• Batterson learned more about the heart of the Heavenly Father from parenting his three kids than from all his degrees and seminary trips combined.
• Movements are built on small yeses, not one grand gesture.

THIS WEEK'S LABS

• Reflection: Do an intentionality audit. Open your notes app or a journal and honestly assess how you're staying intentional, heart toward heaven and heart toward home. What are you reading and listening to? Does your calendar show fatherhood is an area of real pursuit?
• Multiplication: Be an inviter. Copy paste one text to ten dads inviting them into the seven week challenge through the end of August. Listen each week, then get together to talk about it over coffee, wings, a campfire, a run, a bike ride, or a boat. Get two or more to say yes and you've moved from addition to multiplication.
• Activation: Name your small yes. What yes have you been putting off that God is nudging you toward this week? A dad daughter date, a date with your wife, a follow through you keep intending but haven't done. Pick it and act on it.

GIVEAWAY

Send Jeff a voice message up to 90 seconds using the link in the show notes. Introduce yourself and share what this first episode stirred up, your action step, or a question. Each week one message gets randomly picked to win DadAwesome summer gear.

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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 growth, and what it takes to build a legacy of courage in your kids. Plus, he unpacks the question God placed on his heart: what is required to be a founding father?

TAKEAWAYS

• You can only control the outcomes so much as a dad, but you can control the inputs. Zoom out to a 90 day view to realign your family direction.
• Purpose, vision, and value language is abstract for kids. Make your family values tangible with tools like Jenga blocks and card decks so your kids can see, touch, and speak them.
• Your family values will stay the same, but the language needs to match the season your kids are in.
• Men grow through moments of physical and spiritual discomfort. Gatherings like Manmaker sneak spiritual vulnerability in the side door.
• Think in decades, not just weeks. Ask yourself what you need to be doing today to have a strong relationship with your kids as adults.
• Your kids will face fear, but you can build a reservoir of courage into their heritage that they can tap into for the rest of their lives.

GUEST

Tyler Van Eps is a husband, father, and intentional family leader passionate about making spiritual formation tangible. He and his wife, Shelly, practice quarterly whole life stewardship reviews and have built family values their kids can see and touch. Tyler is also the creator of Manmaker, a series of high intensity gatherings that challenge men toward biblical manhood through physical and spiritual growth. He and his family live in Minnesota.

#DadAwesome #christiandad #dadlife #parenting #dadpodcast #fatherhood #intentionalfatherhood #familyvalues

LINKS

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Join Team Awesomeness (monthly support team) at any level from $7/month to $1000/month... We have 41 families committed to fueling the ministry DadAwesome as we head toward celebrating 9 years of AWESOMENESS this coming winter: https://www.dadawesome.org/give

• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book
• Vince Miller (on DadAwesome)
• https://wildatheart.org/

QUOTES

• "I wanna be remembered as a good husband, a good father, a follower of Jesus... I wanna be remembered as a courageous person... I can't control whether my kids are afraid or scared of something, but I always want them to feel that they've got somewhere in them, somewhere in their heritage, somewhere in their spirit, a reservoir of courage that they can tap into."
• "I'm so dialed into what success looks like in my career... I can tell you if I'm on track, off track on anything, but I have no idea how it's all feels as a dad... you can only control the outcomes so much, but there's so much that you can control as far as the inputs."
• "I want these moments where we ramp up the intensity a little bit... it's immediately putting you in a space of both physical and spiritual discomfort and a little bit of vulnerability. But for men, the physical discomfort almost overrides your awareness of how spiritually uncomfortable you might be."
• "I was challenged for the first time to think in like a decade thing... when I think about wanting to have a strong relationship with my kids as adults, what are the things that I need to be doing today to set the tone for that?"
• "Personally I wanted an environment where it felt like I don't know what's gonna come out of this. I don't know when a guy's gonna step up to this blocking sled. I don't know what he's gonna say right before he pushes this thing down ten yards downfield."

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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 purpose. From milestone trips to weekly family huddles to quarterly prayer rhythms, Tyler shares the experiments his family has been running...

FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Fatherhood moves through three distinct seasons of investment: physical, time, and emotional, and knowing which season you're in changes how you show up.
2. A weekly family huddle built around purpose, vision, and values gives your kids a compass they will eventually use to call out greatness in each other.
3. Milestone trips don't have to be expensive or elaborate because what your kids remember most is being pulled out of the normal lineup and seen as an individual.
4. The goal is not to control your family's calendar but to steward it, which means learning when to add things and when to subtract them without shame.
5. Adopting a posture of exploration in your fatherhood is far more sustainable than building rigid rules, because it invites your family into the journey with you.

TOP QUOTES

1. "Instead of being an amazing leader and a decent dad, I want to be an amazing dad and a decent leader."
2. "Follow Jesus, live with enthusiasm, and fight for family. The fight for family came out of, hey guys, we gotta stop fighting with our family and we gotta figure out a way to fight for our family."
3. "There has to be a surrender that's kind of fundamental to the way that you approach fatherhood and family and faith."
4. "Soaking in the moments of peace and allowing them to be there with the assumption that disruptions are around the corner."
5. "If I'm not a steward of the time God's given me with my kids, there are these core memories that I could just be blazing by without even realizing it."

GUEST

Tyler Van Eps is a husband, father of four, and Senior Vice President at the National Christian Foundation Twin Cities, where he serves families and business owners around the stewardship of generational wealth and kingdom-minded generosity. A longtime friend of the Dad Awesome community, Tyler has joined the show multiple times including a campfire conversation and a tree fort recording. He is passionate about leading with purpose, living with enthusiasm, and building a family culture rooted in faith.

LINKS

Join Team Awesomeness (monthly support team) at any level from $7/month to $1000/month... We have 41 families committed to fueling the ministry DadAwesome as we head toward celebrating 9 years of AWESOMENESS this coming winter: https://www.dadawesome.org/give

• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book

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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

✅ What "unhurried presence" actually looks like in everyday moments

✅ The hard truth about emotional regulation every dad needs to hear

INVITATION

Join Team Awesomeness (monthly support team) at any level from $7/month to $1000/month... We have 41 families committed to fueling the ministry DadAwesome as we head toward celebrating 9 years of AWESOMENESS this coming winter: https://www.dadawesome.org/give

SUMMARY

In Part 2 of this Father's Day look-back series, Jeff Zaugg resurfaces five more powerful conversations from the past dad year, featuring Jeremy Pryor, Ted Cunningham, Pastor Tim Timberlake, Mac Lake, and Seth Dahl. The clips cover a dad's superpower of emotional detachment and how it can quietly wound the people he loves most, the faulty input-output theory of parenting and why God is the only true source of life, the transformative power of tone and speaking to the king in your child instead of the fool, the gift of unhurried presence and what it looks like to truly savor your kids, and the hard truth that a man who can't regulate his emotions forces his family to do it for him. This episode is a flyover packed with activation, challenge, and the kind of dad wisdom that sticks.

KEY QUOTES

• "My kids can actually feel that. Like, if something were to happen to me, I think dad would be the least affected." — Jeremy Pryor, Ep. 415
• "My source is Jesus, not you." — Ted Cunningham, Ep. 417
• "In us we have both a fool and a king. The one that you address is the one that will respond." — Pastor Tim Timberlake, Ep. 424
• "A posture of unhurried presence. So often we are present with our kids, but we're not present with our kids." — Mac Lake, Ep. 435
• "A man who can't regulate his emotions forces his wife and kids to do it for him." — Seth Dahl, Ep. 429

TAKEAWAYS

1. Your emotional detachment is a superpower that can become a weapon. Dads are wired to disconnect under pressure, and that's often a gift. But when that same skill gets used to keep your family at arm's length, your kids feel it. The question isn't how attached you feel. It's whether they feel attached to you.
2. You were never meant to be the source. Pouring into your kids so they pour back into you is a trap. Your job, according to Deuteronomy 6, is to point them every single day to the only true source of life. Fire yourself. Fire your kids. God in heaven is the source.
3. Tone is one of the greatest gifts a dad can give. Pastor Tim Timberlake's father never raised his voice, never disciplined from anger or frustration, and the love in his tone did the convicting. Your size, your volume, your first response, those things mark your kids. Speak to the king in them, not the fool.
4. Unhurried presence is a posture, not a schedule. Mac Lake leaves adult conversations to throw a football for 60 minutes if that's what his grandkids want. The shift is simple but hard: let your kids be the thing that matters most in the moment, not an interruption to what actually matters.
5. Emotional self-control is a fruit your family gets to eat. When you're getting triggered by your six-year-old, you're not parenting. You're asking them to regulate you. The Holy Spirit wants to grow self-control in you so your family is nourished by it. Your heart is upstream to everything in your home.

LINKS

• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book
• Jeremy Pryor — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/415
• Ted Cunningham — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/417
• Pastor Tim Timberlake — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/424
• Seth Dahl — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/429
• Mac Lake — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/435

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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 to stop dismissing your own feelings before you dismiss your kids'

✅ God's call for dads to be bringers of order, not complainers of disorder

✅ The secret gift of a minivan that turned an atheist toward Jesus

You don't have to do the miracles. You just have to be tight with the man who did. 🙏

SUPPORTING DadAwesome

1. Write a REVIEW on Amazon for the book DADAWESOME
2. Join the 40 families who support DADAWESOME Monthly (from $7/month to $1000/month) - Learn More

SUMMARY

In this Father's Day special, Jeff Zaugg revisits five of the most impactful conversations from the past "dad year"... Featuring voices like Pastor Dave Brickey, Dr. Jake Smith, and Craig Allen Cooper. The clips explore the transformative power of fatherly weakness and repentance, the damage of performance-based parenting, the importance of emotional self-awareness, the biblical call to create order in family life, and the ripple effect of quiet, Jesus-fueled generosity. It's a looking-back episode that's really about looking up — because the best thing a dad can do for his kids is stay close to the One who can do what we can't.

TAKEAWAYS

1. Your weakness as a dad is not a liability — it's a bridge. When you humbly repent and admit you need Jesus, your kids see who their real Savior is.
2. Raising kids in "the gap" (measuring what they fell short of) creates a performance identity that damages their sense of worth. Celebrate the gain — the progress they've made.
3. Defensiveness and dismissiveness toward your kids often starts with dismissing your own feelings. Learning to name what's going on inside you is the first step to staying steady.
4. God designed dads to be bringers of order — not complainers of disorder. Reverse engineer a family vision, create systems, and name the chaos so your kids can learn to do the same.
5. You don't have to do the miracles. You just have to be tight with the man who did. Small, unseen acts of generosity done close to Jesus can change the trajectory of another family forever.

_*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> QUOTES

1. "My strength points my kids to me as their savior, but my weakness points them to who my savior is." — Pastor Dave Brickey, Ep. 391
2. "You lead with your strengths, but you connect through your weaknesses." — Pastor Dave Brickey, Ep. 391
3. "My heavenly Father has set the scoreboard to infinity." — Jeff Zaugg, reflecting on Ep. 394 with Lance Welch
4. "I don't get to choose what feelings I have. I only choose what I do with them." — Dr. Jake Smith, Ep. 398
5. "He can't walk on water — but he just might be tight with the man that did." — Walker Hayes (via Craig Allen Cooper, Ep. 418)

LINKS

• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book

Dave Brickey — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/391

Lance Welch — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/394

Dr. Jake Smith — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/398

Chris Cirullo — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/410

Craig Allen Cooper — https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/418

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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 trap (and what to measure instead)

✅ Covering your daughters vs. sending out your sons—a powerful picture of spiritual authority

✅ The eulogy drill: a simple exercise that will change how you lead your family

True legacy isn't how you're remembered. It's what your family still does when you're gone. 🔥

SUMMARY

There's no quarterly report for your marriage and no scoreboard for your kids' souls—so why do so many dads keep looking for one? In part two of this conversation, Gabe Biedenbaugh exposes the scoreboard trap and shares the vision statements that guide his marriage and parenting. Plus, he unpacks a powerful perspective on covering your daughters versus sending out your sons, and why true legacy isn't how you're remembered—it's what your family still does when you're gone.

TAKEAWAYS

• It's a trap to look for a scoreboard at home. Winning at home is consistency, owning your mistakes, and asking for forgiveness quickly.
• The best gift you can give your children is a healthy marriage. Aim to be more in love when your kids leave than you are right now.
• Sons are sent out to start new families; daughters remain under their father's spiritual covering until that authority is transferred at the wedding.
• The foundation of your life matters far more than the facade. A bridge that looks good but lacks integrity is a bridge no one should cross.
• Identity is not something to be discovered—it's something to be received from God.
• Legacy isn't how you're remembered. It's what your family still carries on—in faith, discipline, and character—when you're gone.

GUEST

Gabe Biedenbaugh is a pastor, men's ministry leader, and the founder of The Forge, an online ministry helping men find clear, God-given direction for their lives. Every Friday, he sends out his "Forge Fridays" email, and he created the 21 Days guided reset to help men establish direction and become who God designed them to be. Gabe and his wife have four children—three sons and a daughter—and live in St. Augustine, Florida.

QUOTES

1. "There is no scoreboard for a healthy marriage. There's no quarterly report of how your kids are doing in their soul." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
2. "Winning at home is being consistent at home." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
3. "The best gift you can give your children is a healthy marriage." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
4. "The foundation matters so much more than what you put on the facade." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
5. "Identity is not something to be discovered—it's something to be received." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
6. "Legacy is not how you're remembered. It's what your family still does when you're gone." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
7. "I want dads to be tough and tender." — Gabe Biedenbaugh
8. "Motivation can last for a season, but motivation will not sustain you. Inspiration will." — Gabe Biedenbaugh

LINKS

• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book
• Gabe Biedenbaugh's Substack - THE FORGE- https://theforgemen.substack.com/
• Reverb Church

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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 heart to serve are the way home.

TAKEAWAYS * The legacy of faith can start with one man stepping in — Gabe's grandfather died young, and other men fathered his dad. * Shame attacks your identity; conviction shows you the way out, condemnation just says you're the problem. * Beat the lie head-on: "I'm not enough, but Christ in me is more than enough." * Vulnerability in real brotherhood is where men get unstuck and find freedom. * A dad living free brings joy home; serving (not being served) is the posture — "leaders are into towels, not titles."

QUOTES * "Satan's goal isn't to tell you a blatant lie — it's to tell you something so close to the truth you believe it." * "My job isn't to fill someone else's cup — it's to empty mine, and let God do what He wants with it." * "Conviction says you've made a mistake, but here's the way out. Condemnation says, no — you're the problem." * "When you have shame in your life, it impacts the way you bring your best, or lack thereof, to your family." * "I want to walk into my home with the attitude of Jesus, who took off his garment to wash feet."

LINKS

• Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book
• Gabe Biedenbaugh's Substack - THE FORGE- https://theforgemen.substack.com/
• Reverb Church

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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 day, and what it looks like to design something we can actually engage with instead. From Yes Days with your kids to preparing for the car ride home the way you'd prepare for a business meeting, Alan brings practical insight that will reshape how you show up as a dad this week.

TAKEAWAYS ---The best dads aren't the ones with the most time. They're the ones who prepare for the small moments with the same intentionality they bring to work.

---A coming of age year for your son doesn't require waking up at 4 a.m. It just requires showing up consistently and inviting other trusted men to speak life into him.

---Celebrate who your kids actually are instead of trying to make them love what you love. Curiosity is the doorway to connection.

---We were built for both meaningful work and real rest. Without a healthy theology of both, we swing between burnout and apathy.

---The question that changes everything: What is the good life for you and your family three years from now?

GUEST Alan Briggs is a coach, author, and adventurer based in Colorado Springs. He runs two and a half companies, including a coworking space, and spends his days helping leaders find a lighter, more sustainable way to live and work. He's the author of multiple books, including his latest resource on anti-burnout, and the host of his own podcast for leaders. Alan and his wife are raising four kids ranging from 12 to 23, including two adopted children. He loves the mountains, disc golf with his son, and learning to cheer for his kids in the worlds they love most.

QUOTES * "Most men are getting lived by their lives. They are not living their lives. They are letting choices make them. They are not making intentional choices." * "I prepare for business meetings. Do I prepare that well for a date with my wife, a date with my daughter, a car ride? Almost always, no." * "You don't have to be up at 4 a.m. with your kid. You don't have to do it every day. But do something that affirms you've got what it takes." * "Celebrate exactly who they are and exactly what they love doing, instead of trying to make them love the things that you love doing." * "We are not the sum of what we carry. Our identity and who we are loved by is so much more important than what we are as dads."

LINKS * Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast * Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Dad Awesome book: dadawesome.org/book * Alan Briggs - H2LEADERSHIP * Alan's BOOKS

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🎙️ 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 (Pops TV, dinosaur eggs, and football for 60 minutes if they want 60)

✅ Why discipline is discipleship — and how to stop disciplining out of a wounded ego

SUMMARY The words you speak to your kids today become the voice inside their head for the rest of their lives — for better or worse. In this episode, Mac Lake (yes, that Mac — Brandon Lake's dad) shares the leadership wisdom he's spent a lifetime giving away: how to speak life over your kids, why "I'm not much of a leader" is insecurity in disguise, and how a biblical definition of leader — disciple, servant, apostle — changes how you show up at home. Plus Pops TV, dinosaur eggs, and why discipline is discipleship.

TAKEAWAYS * Leadership in your home requires both spirit and skill. David shepherded with integrity of heart and skillful hands — don't lean only on business-style competence, and don't go passive at home either. * Your words become your child's inner voice — so speak life. Get on your knee, look them in the eye, tell them you're proud of them and why. Be their biggest cheerleader, not their biggest critic. * Build a faith legacy by telling the works of God in your family. Like Asaph in Psalm 78, your kids should know specific stories of how God has shown up for your family, not just for Israel. * Unhurried presence is the gift most dads underestimate. Put the phone away, leave the adult conversation, throw the football for 60 minutes if they want 60 minutes — they need you fully there, not just nearby. * Discipline is discipleship — not ego protection. When kids misbehave, it's not a verdict on your identity. Shape them into the image of Christ instead of reacting from your wounded ego.

GUEST Mac Lake is a pastor, leadership coach, and the founder of The Multiplication Center, where he trains church leaders to identify and develop multiplying leaders. He's the author of The Multiplication Effect and has spent decades coaching pastors and executives in leadership pipeline development. He and his wife Cindy ("CeCe") have three grown kids — including worship artist Brandon Lake — and six grandkids who know him as "Pops." They live in South Carolina.

LINKS * Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast * Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Dad Awesome book: dadawesome.org/book * The Multiplication Effect by Mac Lake * Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (referenced) * Brandon Lake — music and ministry

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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 billion people alive right now, and there have been 107 billion who came before us. That context changes everything about how you spend today with your kids. In this From the Vault conversation, Bob Goff returns to talk about hovering over your family the way God hovered over the earth, leaving behind treasures your kids will discover for years to come, and finding the courage to make bold moves when something in your life needs to change. Bob shares why being fully present matters more than providing, how to live a "no capes" kind of life, and why the small moments will be the bookmarks your kids carry forever.

TAKEAWAYS * The kind of grandfather you want to be will be a byproduct of the kind of dad you are right now. * Hovering over each person in your family means asking what they uniquely need that only you could provide. * Living a "no capes" life means doing meaningful things without making a big deal about them. * Your family needs you fully present far more than they need what you provide. * When something in your life stops fitting, having the courage to quit and start fresh can change everything.

GUEST Bob Goff is the bestselling author of Love Does, Everybody Always, Dream Big, and Undistracted, along with several children's books co-written with his daughter Lindsey. He is the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit that operates schools and safe houses for children in conflict zones around the world. Bob and his wife, Sweet Maria, live in San Diego and spend much of their time at The Oaks, where they host gatherings for dreamers and world changers. They have three grown children and several grandchildren.

Quotes 1. "The kind of grandfather you want to be will be a byproduct of the kind of dad that you are." — Bob Goff 2. "Hover over each person in your family. What does kid number one need that I could only uniquely provide them?" — Bob Goff 3. "What your family really needs you to provide is you, like, fully present." — Bob Goff 4. "Sometimes the familiar will get in the way of what's actually possible." — Bob Goff 5. "Everybody doesn't get a slice, but everybody's fed." — Bob Goff

Links * Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast * Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Dad Awesome book: dadawesome.org/book * https://www.bobgoff.com/ * Bob's BOOKS

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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's heart. If you have ever blown it with your kids and tried to talk your way out of it instead of leaning in, this conversation is for you.

Takeaways * Anger is usually the front door. The real emotion sitting behind it is almost always sadness, fear, or confusion, and your kids feel that gap before you do. * When your child tells the story of how you hurt them, the most powerful thing you can say is three words. Tell me more. Then stay there longer than feels comfortable. * Defensiveness bombs the bridge to your kids' hearts and to their picture of God as Father. Compassion builds it. * Luke 15 verse 20 gives a five step pattern any dad can follow. He saw, he was filled with compassion, he ran, he threw his arms around, he kissed. * A consistent monthly daddy daughter date and a note in your own handwriting create anchors of memory your kids will carry into adulthood.

Guest Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a licensed counselor, speaker, and the host of The Dad Whisperer podcast. She founded The Abba Project, a nine month group for dads of daughters between thirteen and thirty, and has spent the last fifteen plus years coaching fathers in the work of pursuing their daughters' hearts. She is the author of Dad, Here's What I Really Need from You and Let's Talk, and her writing on fatherhood has reached dads in all fifty states and around the world.

Quotes 1. "You guys are wired with tender hearts. Tough and tender is a powerful combination as a man." Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield 2. "Under mad is usually sad or scared or confused. Lead with your heart more than your head." Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield 3. "Tell me more. That's how she gets it out, and then it's not there between you anymore." Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield 4. "Defensiveness bombs the bridge. Compassion builds it. That's the work of fathering a daughter's heart." Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield 5. "Anchors of memory in a place. Find one or two spots that become yours together with your daughter." Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield

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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 missing it with his four year old the night before

MOM AWESOME CHALLENGE > Text MOM to (651) 370-8618 // or click here

SUMMARY Most dads think they're closer to their daughters than they actually are. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield has spent 30 years sitting with dads and daughters in the gap between, and she came on DadAwesome to say it plain: your words water her dry soul, your anger can wipe out nine good days, and pursuit is the muscle every dad has to keep building. This is part one of a two part conversation, and Jeff brings a real story from the night before about missing it with his four year old.

TAKEAWAYS * Pursuit is not a season. It does not end at the wedding or the hospital room. Your daughter and your wife need to be pursued today. * Ask your daughter the zero to ten question. Where would you rank our closeness, is that the number you want, and what can I do to be a better dad to you. * Your words land like water on dry soil. One sentence of affirmation can revive what looked dead four days ago. * Your anger will do more to shut her down than almost anything else. Repair every rupture. * Run the five senses experiment. Notice what you see in her, listen one minute longer than yesterday, tie smell to memory, speak one word of life, and give safe physical touch on purpose.

GUEST Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a licensed counselor, speaker, and the host of The Dad Whisperer Podcast. She founded The Abba Project in 2010, a group coaching experience for dads of daughters, and has written two books for fathers: Dad, Here's What I Really Need from You and Let's Talk.

QUOTES * "Your words are like water to her dry soul. She will spring forth with beauty and color and life with your words." * "You can do nine things right and one anger response can wipe it out. You've got to make repair for the rupture." * "Every one of us as women have a God given place in us that wants to be seen, adored, championed, celebrated." * "Ask your daughter on a scale of zero to ten, where would you rank us? What can I do better?" * "What you see, she doesn't see. By pursuing and seeing and knowing us, we internalize it."

Links: * Text MOM to (651) 370-8618 // or click here * Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618 * dadawesome.org/book * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast * Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Dad Awesome book: dadawesome.org/book * Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield: drmichellewatson.com * Dad, Here's What I Really Need from You by Dr. Michelle Watson * Let's Talk by Dr. Michelle Watson * The Dad Whisperer Podcast * The Abba Project * Drop Your Anger video

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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, Daniel shares listening prayer with your kids, why vulnerability is actually strength, how to play the long game with a 14-year-old, and the truth that's rescuing him in every transition: nothing is lost.

✅ The listening prayer practice he does with his 14-year-old son every year

✅ Why spending your 30s building a future can cost you the people you're building it for

✅ How to cultivate access to your kid's heart (hint: it's not across the couch)

✅ The truth rescuing him in every transition: nothing is lost

Takeaways * Ask God for a word or theme for the year, and invite your kids into the same practice. Take the pressure off of timing. * When a movie, a song, or a moment wrecks you, pay attention. It's a knock on the door of your heart. * Spend your 30s becoming the kind of man who can be entrusted with more, instead of building a future your family won't want to share with you. * Cultivate access to your kid's heart. Delight in what they delight in. Talk over sushi or on the drive, not across the couch. * Nothing is lost. Every missed moment, every transition, every thing you wish you could get back is being restored.

Guest Daniel Chesnut is a filmmaker, storyteller, and the founder of Process Creative. He and his wife Katie live in Southern California with their 14-year-old son Brooklyn. Daniel has spent years helping people tell their stories on film and is part of the Pursuit Beach Fitness men's discipleship community. He writes about fatherhood, faith, and becoming on his Substack.

Quotes 1. "The strongest man on the sand is the most vulnerable man on the sand." 2. "I made time. I created time. And I can make time work for you, not against you." 3. "Spend the next decade becoming the kind of person who can be entrusted with more in 10 years." 4. "Whatever you do, cultivate access to your kid's heart. That's it. Just stay in their life." 5. "Nothing is lost. Even the moments you regret are being restored."

Links * Text MOM to (651) 370-8618 // or click here * Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618 * DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast * Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder * Walking with God by John Eldredge * Interstellar (film) and soundtrack by Hans Zimmer * Process Creative (Daniel's company) * Pursuit Beach Fitness * BABY SWIM LESSONS - The Ultimate Routine to Help Our 2 YR OLD Swim and Deep Dive Underwater (The Bucket List Family)

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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 can do for your family

SUMMARY

Most dads are carrying something they never dealt with. In this episode, therapist Mark Odland explains how unprocessed memories stay stuck in the brain and quietly shape the way you parent, the way you react, and the way you show up at home. You'll also hear what trauma therapy actually is, why doing the inner work is one of the bravest things a dad can do, and how healing in one generation changes everything for the next.

TAKEAWAYS

• When your nervous system gets overwhelmed, memories can get stored in a way that doesn't heal properly and that affects you more than you realize years later.
• The "butterfly hug" tapping technique is something you can use with your kids in real time to help a hard moment not become a stuck wound.
• Trauma therapy helps the brain do what it was already designed to do, heal itself when the right conditions are present.
• The cage many high achieving men live in isn't always visible from the outside. But deep down, they know something's in the way.
• Whatever you wish your dad had done differently with you, ask yourself if you're doing that with your kids. That question is a powerful starting point.
• Doing one therapy session doesn't commit you to years on a couch. It's just a first step, and first steps create momentum.

GUEST

Mark Odland is a licensed therapist, trauma specialist, and the founder of Lion Counseling. He's also the author of Escape the Cage. Mark and his wife have four kids and live in Duluth, Minnesota, where yes, he has surfed Lake Superior.

QUOTES

• "As long as we have the opportunity to be connected to safety and truth, the brain can heal itself." — Mark Odland
• "You don't have to sign your life away. Just do one therapy appointment." — Mark Odland
• "Whatever invisible force is keeping you in a cage, the dad you want to be is in there." — Mark Odland
• "If you can't muster up the belief that you're worth it, look at a picture of your family. They are worth it." — Mark Odland
• "Some healing usually proceeds breakthrough. Doing some looking back before you try to propel forward." — Jeff Zaugg

LINKS

• Escape the Cage by Mark Odland
• https://escapethecagenow.com/
• Text MOM to (651) 370-8618 // or click here
• DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book

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"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 boundaries, the Wise Phone, and how to give freedom without losing your mind

SUMMARY

A man who can't regulate his emotions forces his wife and kids to do it for him. That's the hard truth Seth Dahl drops early in this conversation, and it only gets more honest from there. This is a raw, alumni-only Zoom call that turned into something worth sharing with every dad who's ever lost it over something stupid and wondered why.

Takeaways:

• If you can be triggered, you're identifying with something more than your role as a dad. That's an identity issue, not just a temper issue.
• Unprocessed emotions don't disappear. They show up as anger, porn, checked-out dads, and kids walking on eggshells.
• God's model in Genesis wasn't control. It was influence with a boundary. That's the parenting theology most of us are missing.
• For teenagers, the online world is the living room. Know who they're talking to, just like you would if they came to your house.
• The Wise Phone gives kids what they need without what gets them in trouble.

GUEST:

Seth Dahl is an author, speaker, grief recovery specialist, and emotional health coach. He and his wife have three kids and have developed a deep framework around completing past emotions, processing present emotions, and shaping future ones. Seth is a longtime friend of DadAwesome and is featured in the DADAWESOME book.

LINKS

• Text MOM to (651) 370-8618 // or click here
• Emotionally Skilled Fatherhood Course with Seth Dahl (Interest Form)
• Wise Phone
• Radiant Mobile
• DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• SETH DAHL

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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 can bring to their kids: proximity, placing hands on, and prayer

Get the 7-Day DADAWESOME Video Series -

SUMMARY

Most dads are trying to figure out the right strategy. But what if the thing holding you back isn't a lack of tactics, it's a lie you've been believing about whether you're even loved? In this mic flip episode, Jay Heck of Being Sons turns the tables and interviews Jeff about the Dad Awesome book, and the conversation gets honest fast. You'll hear about the prayer counseling session that changed everything, what it means to set the scoreboard to infinity, and how a dad who's operating from fullness becomes the most compelling voice in the room.

TAKEAWAYS

• Your kids need to see you pause and point to what God has done, not just celebrate the mountaintops but name the hard stuff too.
• When you stop trying to earn love and start receiving it as a son, things like dancing, crying, laughing, and gentleness just start coming out of you naturally.
• You are not behind. Whatever season of fatherhood you are in, God is not disappointed. He's inviting you to turn toward him, not catch up.
• The three P's of intentional fatherhood are pursuing your kids, praying for your kids, and being present with your kids.
• Fathers who operate from abundance naturally draw their kids, their kids' friends, and other families in. Scarcity thinking is contagious, and so is thankfulness.

GUEST

Jay Heck is the founder of Being Sons, a fatherhood ministry focused on dad and daughter and dad and son adventure experiences. He hosts the Being Sons podcast and is passionate about helping men step into the father heart of God so they can lead their families well.

QUOTES

• "Your heavenly father has set the scoreboard to infinity. You can't add to it. You can't subtract from it."
• "As I learned more about my identity as a loved son of God, I danced more, cried more, laughed more."
• "Gratefulness and fear can't live simultaneously. When we are grateful, we move toward more vision and more hope."
• "Fathers who operate from abundance naturally become the most compelling voice in the room."
• "You are not behind. God in heaven is not disappointed. He is loving this moment that you are turning."

LINKS

• 21 Day Prayer Team - surrounding the DADAWESOME book launch.
• DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast
• Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book
• BEING SONS Ministry (Jay Heck)
• Wild At Heart - Head of Household Prayer (John Eldredge)
• Ruthless Trust (book)

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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 accountability loop, even your highest priorities will quietly slip off the calendar.
• In your fullest, most pressured seasons, adding one stabilizing anchor — not removing things — might be the wisest move you make.
• Daily prayer with other men isn't just spiritual discipline; it's a stabilizing force that steadies you when everything else is swinging.
• Bringing two simple questions to a dad-daughter date can surface honest feedback and spark some of the most important conversations you'll have with your kids.
• Fatherhood grows through friendships and focus — those two things, compounded over years, change everything.

DADAWESOME BOOKhttps://www.dadawesome.org/book

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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's grandpa made that are still changing lives today

✅ The Crashing Cabinet — a chapter about the $2 wall strap that changes how you think about fatherhood systems

✅ Why your family needs a free dad, not a perfect one

SUMMARY:

The Christmas card version of fatherhood isn't real life — and Jeff Zaugg isn't pretending otherwise. In this book launch episode, Jeff reads Chapter 18 of the DADAWESOME book, shares the upstream legacy moves his grandpa made that are still bearing fruit today, and tells the story of what actually happened on launch day (hint: it involved confetti, a four-year-old, and a pair of white shoes that almost didn't survive).

TAKEAWAYS:

• Thinking generationally means asking what moves you make today will still be bearing fruit with your grandkids and great-grandkids.
• Small, preventative systems — like a $2 wall strap — protect your family before the pressure hits, not after the crash.
• Your inadequacies as a father create space for God's strength to work through you, not around you.
• Unresolved pain is like hidden glass — sharp, waiting, and causing damage until it's fully addressed.
• Your family doesn't need a perfect dad. They need a free one.

GUEST

Jeff Zaugg is the founder of DadAwesome, host of the DadAwesome Podcast (400+ episodes, 8+ years), and author of the newly released book DADAWESOME. He and his wife have four daughters and are based in Northeast, Florida.

QUOTES

1. "Your family doesn't need a perfect dad. They need a free one."
2. "Small choices prevent big disasters. Asking for help before the crash is wisdom, not weakness."
3. "Unresolved pain is like hidden glass — sharp, waiting, cutting us when we least expect it."
4. "Our inadequacies as fathers create space for God's power to work through us."
5. "Brotherhood isn't a luxury for fathers who have margin. It's oxygen for fathers who are drowning."

Links:

• 21 Day Prayer Team - surrounding the DADAWESOME book launch.
• DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Troy Magnum — Episode 184 (referenced in chapter)

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🗣️ "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 over it, but you will remember more

✅ Why you can't lead your kids somewhere you've never been

Don't father from your wounds. Father from your scars.

• Join the 21-Day PRAYER TEAM (surrounding the book launch)
• WATCH the DADAWESOME book Trailer >>
• GET THE DADAWESOME BOOK >>

SUMMARY:

Every king who takes over a territory changes the language first — because language shapes culture. In Part 2 of this conversation with Pastor Tim Timberlake, you'll hear why the words you speak over your kids are literally forming their world. Plus, Tim gets real about grief, the little deaths that come with every new season of your child's life, and why the only way to be a great father is to remain a son of God first.

TAKEAWAYS

• Language shapes culture — what you speak over your kids is forming their world, for better or worse.
• Boundaries aren't restrictions; they're what make the game worth playing. Your kids thrive within them.
• You won't "get over" the loss of a loved one, but you will grow stronger — and you'll remember more, not less.
• Every new season of your child's life requires mourning who they were so you can fully enjoy who they are.
• Don't father from your wounds. Father from your scars.

GUEST

Tim Timberlake is the lead pastor of Celebration Church, an author, and a speaker known for his passionate, scripture-rooted teaching. He and his wife, Jen, have a son, Max. Tim is the author of several books including The Art of Overcoming and Bumpy Road to Better.

LINKS

• DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• The Power of 1440 by Tim Timberlake
• The Art of Overcoming by Tim Timberlake
• Celebration Church — Jacksonville, FL
• Tim Timberlake on Instagram: @ttimberlake

QUOTES

1. "Every king who takes over a territory changes the language first — because language determines culture." — Tim Timberlake
2. "Don't father from your wounds. Father from your scars." — Tim Timberlake
3. "If you remain a son to God, you'll be a better father to your kids." — Tim Timberlake
4. "We can only take people to the last place we've been." — Tim Timberlake
5. "You won't get over it — but you will grow stronger, and you'll remember more." — Tim Timberlake

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🔥 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 into becoming better

SUMMARY What does it look like to father from love instead of frustration? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Pastor Tim Timberlake shares what it was like losing his dad the day after his 18th birthday—and how 24 years later, he's still unpacking the treasures from their final conversation. Tim opens up about how his father's tone, words, and presence shaped the man and dad he's becoming today. Plus, he reveals the simple practice that keeps him anchored in gratitude and why every dad has both a fool and a king inside—and the one you address is the one that will respond. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week.

TAKEAWAYS * Legacy is not what you leave for your children—it's what you leave in them. Frame it with your words and your presence. * Every dad has both a fool and a king inside, and the one you address in your kids is the one that will respond. * Don't just turn your head toward your kids—turn your heart. Be where your feet are and be relational, not just transactional. * Pain will produce fruit if you stay in it long enough. Make it purposeful and turn it back into praise before it becomes pride. * If you don't plan your celebrations, your defeats will plan themselves. Collect moments, not things.

QUOTES 1. "Legacy is not what I leave for someone. It's what I leave in them."

1. "We both have a fool and a king in us, and the one you address is the one that will respond."

2. "If I don't plan my celebrations, my defeats will plan themselves."

3. "Every word is like a thousand pound weight. Be mindful of where you place it."

4. "The love of my father would convict me into wanting to become better."

GUEST Tim Timberlake is the Senior Pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and Christian Faith Center in Creedmoor, North Carolina. He's the bestselling author of The Power of 1440 and The Art of Overcoming. Tim is a gifted communicator, thought leader, and sought-after speaker known for blending biblical truth with real-life wisdom. He and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of their son, Maxwell. Tim's father, the late Bishop Mack Timberlake, continues to shape his legacy as a father and pastor to this day.

LINKS * DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * The Power of 1440 by Tim Timberlake * The Art of Overcoming by Tim Timberlake * Celebration Church — Jacksonville, FL * Tim Timberlake on Instagram: @ttimberlake

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🇸🇻 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 where God wants to bring healing

➡️ The beloved story Jeff shared with inmates that brought men and women to tears

INVITES:

1. Support JEFF'S FUNDRAISER - Team DADAWESOME 6-Mile SPARTAN event ($25 or $250)
2. Join the ACCELERATOR - Six Week coaching cohort

SUMMARY:

What happens when you step into a dark, crowded jail hallway in El Salvador and a man starts screaming curses at you in English? In this raw solo episode, Jeff shares the miraculous story of what God did on a mission trip over his 44th birthday — and why getting uncomfortable as a dad is exactly where God wants to meet you. Plus, he reads the beloved story You Are Special by Max Lucado and shares why it changed everything inside that jail cell.

TAKEAWAYS

• Worship often precedes breakthrough. When darkness and resistance filled that jail hallway, it was worship that flipped the entire environment from hostility to God's peace.
• Getting outside your comfort zone reveals places in your heart where God wants to bring healing — you can't grow staying in the comfort loop.
• The marks the world gives you — and the marks you give yourself — don't have to stick. What matters is what your Maker thinks of you.
• Teenage young men who dream about being dads and starting families are growing up in homes where fatherhood is cast as a vision worth pursuing.
• You are special because God made you, and He doesn't make mistakes. That truth changes everything — for you and for your kids.

Top 5 Quotes

1. "Worship released peace. Worship flipped the environment of that space. It radically shifted things — worship."
2. "Getting uncomfortable going, serving — getting to new places often reveals new places of our hearts."
3. "We can stay in a comfort loop and continue to stay comfortable — or we can go."
4. "I'm dreaming about being a dad, starting a family. I loved hearing that answer from teenage young men."
5. "The marks from the world don't have to stick. Walk in freedom and know your true identity."

GUEST

This is a solo episode with Jeff Zaugg, founder and executive director of DadAwesome. Jeff shares from a recent mission trip to El Salvador where he traveled with a group of fathers and teenage sons, served alongside the ministry of Jonathan Ferrant, and witnessed a miraculous encounter in a county jail in La Libertad.

LINKS

• DADAWESOME Book:dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Donate $25 to support Team DadAwesome's activation event:

• You Are Special by Max Lucado
• BraveCo — Father & Son Rite of Passage Events
• Jonathan Ferrant / El Salvador Mission
• Project E15 Ministry (El Salvador)

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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 your kids

DADAWESOME ACCELERATOR - Spring Cohort -

DADAWESOME book: https://www.dadawesome.org/book

SUMMARY

What if the biggest thing holding you back as a dad isn't your circumstances — it's what you believe about yourself? In this episode, Jamie Winship picks up right where we left off in Part 1, sharing jaw-dropping stories from being abducted in Iraq with his family, and unpacking the dad wisdom buried inside those moments. You'll learn why staying calm, staying present, and refusing to jump into drama can change everything in your home. Plus, Jamie walks through how to identify the false beliefs that are quietly running your life — and how to exchange them for who God actually made you to be.

Takeaways:

Give your spouse and your kids the gift of your true identity — it's the greatest thing you can offer your family. The enemy lives in the hypothetical future. God is only present in the present tense. Stay there. Don't participate in another person's drama. De-escalate, stay calm, and love the person in front of you. You can't give away what you don't have. If you carry false beliefs about yourself, they will come out in your parenting. Your true identity from God is other-focused, self-emptying, and rooted in unconditional love — even for your enemies.

Guest:

Jamie Winship is the co-founder of Identity Exchange and the author of Living Fearless. A former police officer turned international peacemaker, Jamie has spent decades working in conflict zones around the world alongside his wife, Donna. Together they help people discover their true identity in Christ. They have three grown sons and live out their faith in some of the most dangerous — and beautiful — places on earth.

Quotes

1. "You want your kids to have a right view of God, but you can't give away what you don't have."
2. "Do not participate in another person's drama. Stay back from it. Stay calm."
3. "God is only present in the present tense. The enemy is present in the hypothetical future."
4. "The greatest gift I can give my sons is to untie their knots."
5. "A child's false identity — once they believe it, they see it every time."

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🔓 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

➡️ Why your true identity is the greatest gift you can give your kids

DADAWESOME Book - https://www.dadawesome.org/book

DADAWESOME Accelerator Coaching Groups: https://www.dadawesome.org/coaching

SUMMARY:

What would you do if a violent mob was heading straight for your van — with your kids in the back seat? In this fan-favorite episode pulled from the DadAwesome vault, Jamie Winship shares the incredible true story of praying for invisibility in the streets of Indonesia, why fear is the number one enemy of great fatherhood, and how your true identity in Christ is the greatest gift you can give your children.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Kids learn to be afraid from their parents' fear — and learn courage from their parents' faith.
• Fear is an invitation to transformation, not a signal to run. Ask God: "What do You want me to know? What do You want me to do?"
• The greatest gift you can give your kids is the truth of who you are — your true identity in Christ.
• External conflict is produced by internal conflict, produced by fear, produced by false identity.
• Transformation starts in the heart.
• In the walk with Jesus, there is no win-lose scenario. When you believe that, you can gamify the hard stuff and find joy even in danger.

GUEST:

Jamie Winship is a former police officer turned international peacemaker who has spent decades bringing identity-based conflict resolution to some of the world's most dangerous places. He and his wife, Donna, have three sons and have lived and served in conflict zones including Indonesia and Baghdad. Jamie is the author of Living Fearless and teaches globally on identity, courage, and hearing God's voice. This is the most downloaded DadAwesome episode of all time — pulled from the vault and too good not to reshare.

QUOTES

1. "Kids learn to be afraid of things from their parents' fear." — Jamie Winship
2. "The greatest gift you can give your kids is the truth of who you are." — Jamie Winship
3. "Fear is an invitation to transformation. It's an invitation to a conversation." — Jamie Winship
4. "In the walk with Jesus, there is no win-lose scenario." — Jamie Winship
5. "God, what do You want me to know? And what do You want me to do?" — Jamie Winship

LINKS

• DADAWESOME Book: dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Identity Exchange
• Book - Living Fearless

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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-changing connection strategy with his girls

✅ The generational ripple effect—how your fathering impacts grandchildren you'll never meet

DADAWESOME book -- join the ADVANCE TEAM

SUMMARY What if the way you father your daughter today shapes the marriage she has twenty years from now? In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Shears—a fatherhood researcher, girl dad, and the chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy—shares over two decades of findings on why dads matter more than they think. You'll hear how generational fathering works, why Nacho Tuesdays became a game-changer for connecting with his girls, and what it really means to move men from risk to resource.

Top 5 Quotes 1. "You are literally responsible for your son-in-law's marital satisfaction. What you do with your daughter impacts generations." 2. "I never met a guy who said, 'I don't want to be a good dad.' The desire is there—they need support." 3. "Every man can be a potential risk, but every man can also be a potential resource to children and families." 4. "Kids don't remember the stuff you bought. They remember the time, the conversations, the intentionality of hanging out with Dad." 5. "If your father tells you that you can do something, you internalize that. Dad's words build a confidence nothing else can."

TAKEAWAYS Your daughters internalize how you treat their mother—and it shapes who they're attracted to and the health of their future marriages.

Fathers who affirm their daughters' abilities have a measurable impact—girls with engaged dads are overrepresented in STEM fields.

What you do as a dad ripples across generations. Your great-great-grandchildren will be shaped by values you instill today, even if you never meet them.

The desire to be a great dad is already there in most men. What's missing is the support, the models, and the community to show them how.

Every man is either a risk or a resource to a child. The question isn't whether you'll have an impact—it's what kind.

Guest Dr. Jeffrey Shears is a professor of social work jointly appointed at North Carolina A&T State University and UNC Greensboro. He serves as the inaugural chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy and is the board chair of the Fatherhood CoMission. He's spent over 20 years researching the impact fathers have on child development, with a particular focus on generational fathering and intergenerational transmission. He co-authored What All Dads Should Know with Dr. Clarence Shuler. Jeff is a proud girl dad of three daughters and lives in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Links Mentioned * DADAWESOME Book: dadawesome.org/book * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• What All Dads Should Know by Dr. Jeffrey Shears & Dr. Clarence Shuler
• Dadsknow.com – Dr. Shears' Website
• Fatherhood CoMission: fatherhoodcomission.com
• Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy (via Fathers Incorporated)

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🚴 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 "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

1. "Gratitude is the way through. If I don't live in gratitude, it's so easy to live in complaint."
2. "Don't long for someday at the expense of today. There's so much to be thankful for right now."
3. "Shy is not an excuse for rude. Look people in the eye and ask a question."
4. "I can control how much I love Jesus. I can control how much I love my family."
5. "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: dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

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🎉 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: https://www.dadawesome.org/book

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 1. "Dude, I would give you my blood. You know that, right?" 2. "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." 3. "There's a huge difference between table connection and tablet connection. Table connection is eye to eye, heart to heart, soul to soul." 4. "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." 5. "Every grain of glory, every ounce of praise for anything good in my life belongs exclusively to the Lord Jesus Christ."

LINKS * DADAWESOME Book: dadawesome.org/book * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Glad You're Here by Craig Allen Cooper and Walker Hayes

• Glad You're Here Podcast

• Mechanics on a Mission

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

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🏠 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!)

https://www.dadawesome.org/book

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

1. "Parenting is a journey from control to influence. With every year, you're losing control and hopefully replacing it with influence."
2. "The fastest way to squander influence is to be controlling."
3. "Jesus is your source, Satan is your enemy, your spouse is your companion."
4. "What's celebrated, what's spoken out loud gets multiplied."
5. "Delete the narrative that says it's too late. Delete the narrative that says it's my fault."

LINKS

• DADAWESOME Book: dadawesome.org/book
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Trophy Child by Ted Cunningham

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🔥 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" 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: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Family Teams Podcast * Family Teams Resources: familyteams.com * FREE video course from Jeremy: https://familyteams.com/awesome

• The Movie David (in theaters)

QUOTES 1. "If you just go with the flow, do what's natural, it will destroy you and your family." 2. "The only thing that can stand up against what's coming at our kids is an intentional father." 3. "Your son-in-law is your son. Your daughter-in-law is your daughter." 4. "It gets better. It should be so much more rich when your kids are 25 than when they were 5." 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." 6. "We are blessed to be a blessing."

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🚨 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

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• FREE video course from Jeremy: https://familyteams.com/awesome

• Family Teams Podcast

• Family Teams Resources: familyteams.com

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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: 1. "If every moment is a teachable moment, I will teach them nothing." 2. "Control is an illusion. It is chaos that we are attempting to bring peace into." 3. "We don't rest from our work. We work from our rest." 4. "His mercies are new every single morning. When's the last time you lived a perfect day?" 5. "I'm going to pray instead of open my big fat mouth and tell them why I'm right and they're wrong."

LINKS: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Confidad Podcast
• Dan Tinquist's Fatherhood Coaching: https://confidad.com/

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➡️ 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 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 awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * The Parenthood Primer by Michael DeAquino * The Parenthood Project

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📍 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 1. "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." 2. "If it's a 100-point game, Dad is the LeBron James. He's 50 to 60 points in that game." 3. "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." 4. "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." 5. "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 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Aion Path: https://aionpath.com/ * Pastors Info Video (Aion Path) * Ion Path 5-Video Text Series - Text "Aion Path Dad to 1-888-488-9429 * Three Year Breakdown of Aion Path * National Rite of Passage Council

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🕐 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.dadawesome.org/blog/411

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 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * FREE copy of Chris' book: https://www.missionfit.co/free15 * Mission Fit Scorecard: missionfit.co/scorecard * Forming Men

QUOTES 1. "Where God gives responsibility, He will come and aid you in the ability." 2. "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." 3. "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." 4. "Sabbath is the only one of the Ten Commandments that we're okay boasting about breaking." 5. "It's like compound interest. At some point it hockey sticks and you look back and realize—I'm a different person now."

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✅ 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 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * FREE copy of Chris' book: https://www.missionfit.co/free15 * Mission Fit Scorecard: missionfit.co/scorecard * Forming Men

Quotes: 1. "Minutes of training can sometimes save decades of headaches for a father." 2. "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." 3. "Setting impossible goals is one of the most effective ways to actually make meaningful growth." 4. "What gets measured improves, but what gets measured and reported improves exponentially." 5. "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

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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: 1. "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." 2. "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." 3. "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." 4. "Call your children to where they already want to go. And while they're there, give them some truth." 5. "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." 6. "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." 7. "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: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Kaleidoscope * Kaleidoscope Podcast * Raising Disciples at Home by Chris Ammon * The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd

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🍕🤼‍♂️ 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."

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"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

DadAwesome Voice Mail: 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 the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * LEAVE DadAwesome a VOICE MESSAGE * The Map: The Way of All Great Men by David Murrow * Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow * Man Time parables video series * davidmurrow.com

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> Quotes 1. Discovered truth always beats delivered truth. Guys need space to talk and share experiences, not just receive lectures. 2. Jesus asked hundreds of questions but only gave eight direct answers in Scripture. Create curiosity, not lectures. 3. Try 15-second prayers with your kids. Integrate faith as something you do all the time, not just Sundays. 4. The foundation of your faith must be built on being like a lamb before you exercise lion-like strength. 5. Church is now more masculine than culture. It's recognized as a safe place where guys can go.

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🎯 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 the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex (FREE 6-part video series) - Family Life
• Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for Deeper Connection by Dave & Ashley Willis
• The Marriage on the Line Podcast
• 9 Days to Great Sex Free eBook

QUOTES

1. "Your wives find being proactive in you very sexy. Women, by God's design, are attracted to a husband who takes action."
2. "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."
3. "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."
4. "The mind feasts on what it focuses on. Focus on God's plan for your family and the flourishing will follow."
5. "Resist passivity. God hasn't called us to be passive. There are times to be still and patient, but never passive."

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✅ 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 MESSAGE HERE

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: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Kinsman Ministry * The Kinsman Journal * Fathered by God by John Eldredge

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: 1. "Following Jesus is to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, frightening, wonderfully beautiful, dependent, abiding thing we'll ever experience in our life." 2. "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." 3. "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." 4. "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." 5. "Your presence matters more than you realize. Just being available for your kid—that's what matters most."

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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 - share your QUESTIONS here

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 1. "I cannot be the type of dad I want to be when I'm in a hurry." 2. "When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel." 3. "A dad's role is not to be Superman. A dad's role is to be the chief repenter." 4. "Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—set the tone, don't react to it." 5. "My son flinched when I sat down. That's when I knew something had to change."

Links * Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood (Tyler Graham's coaching): [website] * The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer * Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero * A Burning in My Bones by Eugene Peterson * Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams

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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

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Pursuit Official Website https://joinpursuit.co/
• Zip Chip (favorite toy for play)
• Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

QUOTES

1. "Your fear and worry right now is equivalent to your five-year-old worrying about taxes."
2. "For a child, 15 minutes can be a lifelong memory. For us, it's a blink—but for them, it's forever."
3. "The most vulnerable man on the sand is the strongest. Let's eliminate shallow conversation and get to the heart quickly."
4. "Play isn't pointless—it's for joy. Men forget to have moments with no responsibility, no outcome, just pure fun."
5. "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."

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• 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 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 the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * Raising Modern-Day Knights by Robert Lewis * Everyday Church, Roseville, Minnesota

QUOTES 1. "When failure happens we celebrate the vulnerability first because the most important thing is connection and felt safety." 2. "I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart and grandkids who say grandpa is kind." 3. "Freedom doesn't happen through manhandling it happens through long suffering love and staying present in the crock pot not microwave." 4. "Your kids don't feel safe because you think they're safe they feel safe when you celebrate their vulnerability over their performance." 5. "The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection with compassion instead of contamination."

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🌍 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: 1. "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 2. "The long dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil." - C.S. Lewis (quoted by George) 3. "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 4. "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 5. "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 the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book

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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-ever preview of the upcoming Dad Awesome book, and highlighting transformational moments from 16 unforgettable conversations that shaped this movement.

Takeaways: * Milestone moments matter - Pausing to celebrate and shine the spotlight on what God has done builds faith for the journey ahead * Small yeses create waves - Dad Awesome wasn't built on one grand gesture but hundreds of small commitments to growth over eight years * Intentionality transforms everything - Just like discovering great coffee, small shifts in daily rhythms can revolutionize your entire approach to fatherhood * Stories cascade through generations - When dads point to God's goodness consistently, children naturally learn to do the same with their own kids * Community accelerates growth - The DA plus three model shows that fatherhood gets exponentially better when you're not doing it alone * Generosity reveals faith - Taking steps forward in generosity, whether with time, words, or resources, grows our trust in God's faithfulness

Links: * Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * Clips from 16 DadAwesome Episodes: * 25 | Patei Iyegha * 38 | Pursuing Shalom, Chasing Dreams & Being All-On-Dad (Paul Hurckman) * 77 | Crafting Key Moments, Modeling KINDNESS & Praying with Desperation (Ryan Skoog) * 98 | Awaken The Warrior Heart (Pablo Ceron) * 137 | Spirit-Filled Parenting, Hearing God’s Voice, & Shaping our Kids as Arrows (Seth Dahl) * 148 | Andy Crouch - The Tech-Wise Family * 187 | Jon Tyson on Skillful Manhood, Capturing First Moments & The Intentional Father * 214 | Context, Fainting Goats & Being Secretly Awesome (Bob Goff) * 238 | A Place for the Heart (Ken Helser) * 250 | Raising Kids Humbly, Loving Your Wife Fully, and Soaring Joyfully (Morgan Snyder) * 286 | Parenting for the Third Generation, Building Family Assets, and Championing the Beauty of Fatherhood (Jeremy Pryor) * 298 | Dialing In, Leading with Love, and Being the Loudest Voice in Your Child’s Ears (Dr. Jackson Drumgoole) * 314 | Tackling Fear in a War Zone, Modeling Courage, and Embracing Your True Identity (Jamie Winship) * 364 | Bedtime Blessings, Birthday Letters, and 5 Simple but Life-Changing Habits (Justin Whitmel Earley) * 375 | Experiential Christianity, Lingering with Jesus, and The War for Your Attention (John Eldredge) * 385 | Raising Kids Who Live Generously, Creating Miracle Moments, and the 1% Challenge (Todd Harper) *

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🔥 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 the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * Plumb Line Ministry (HEART) * Plumb Line Ministry (SOUL) * Episode 311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender) * Episode 398 - Part 1 of conversation with Dr. Jake Smith * Dan Allender resources on attunement * Chip Dodd - Euphoria River framework

QUOTES 1. "I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you." 2. "70% of Christian leaders don't finish well—don't be part of that statistic." 3. "Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in life." 4. "Are you crushing life or is life crushing you?" 5. "The goal isn't perfect parenting—it's staying in process." 6. "Attunement is the one thing that ensures relationships last." 7. "Your kids don't need behavior modification—they need you to see them." 8. "Escape the grind before it leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out." 9. "Great parents don't always have great kids—but connected parents do." 10. "You don't have to be a perfect dad—you just have to be present."

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💔 "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

DadAwesome Accelerator 6-Week Cohort: 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 the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * Plumb Line Ministry (HEART) * Plumb Line Ministry (SOUL) * Dr. Jake Smith's upcoming book and assessment (releasing early 2026) * Episode 311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender)

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✅ 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 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

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
• Malachi Daily (Free Scripture Memory Newsletter)
• WhisperFlow App (Voice Transcription)
• Previous Jamie Winship episodes on Dad Awesome

QUOTES

1. "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."
2. "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."
3. "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."
4. "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."
5. "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?"

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✅ 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 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 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * The Intentional Year by Glenn & Holly Packiam * Resilient Pastor resources * Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero

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✅ 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 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: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book * Prepare-Enrich Assessment Tool * True Motivate Assessment * GLUE - Assessment and church resources

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✅ 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 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: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

• Legacy Navigator by Lance Welch
• Beyond the Nest Podcast with Lance and his wife
• The Gap and the Gain by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan
• First Friday Discussion Guide (Free download from Lance's website)

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✅ 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, 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: 1. "Winning is subjective. And the only way you can win is if you get extremely clear about what it means to win." - John Olinger 2. "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 3. "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 4. "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 5. "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: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * "Worthy Wins: Pointing Your Life Toward What Matters Most" by John Olinger * DadAwesome ACCELERATOR Coaching Groups

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✅ 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 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 * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• Outboundlife Inc Ministry
• DadAwesome Accelerator

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✅ 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: 1. "My strength points my kids to me as their savior, but my weakness points them to who my savior is." 2. "Our families aren't broken and need fixing—they are gardens in need of nurturing." 3. "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." 4. "You can change behavior through control, but you cannot change a heart." 5. "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: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * awesome@dadawesome.org * 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/ * Dave Brickey's "Machines to Gardens" message (church resource) - (start at 45 minutes)

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🎯 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!

https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/390

LINKS

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome
• Dad Awesome Accelerator Coaching: https://dadawesome.org/coaching
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• State of Biblical Fatherhood Report: https://manhoodjourney.org/state-of-biblical-fatherhood
• Manhood Journey Resources: https://manhoodjourney.org

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🥝 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 can activate you to lead with awe instead of annoyance

This isn't just inspiration—it's activation. You'll walk away with the Fight or Flight Dad Challenge that turns ordinary moments into opportunities to treasure your calling.

https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/389

Summary: Wonder isn't just a nice feeling—it's a weapon against the thieves trying to steal your joy as a dad. In this powerful Father's Day message, Jeff Zaugg reveals how a simple kiwi fruit taught him the difference between avoidance and amazement, and why the words "stop and consider God's wonders" could transform your entire approach to fatherhood. From bedtime water requests to marriage struggles, discover how ordinary moments become opportunities to fight for your family with eyes of awe.

Key Takeaways: * Wonder multiplies when we move from avoidance to curiosity—God's goodness is waiting to be discovered and shared * Four thieves steal our capacity for awe: pace (hurried living), pain (unhealed wounds), people (unforgiveness), and perspective (familiarity) * The "tov" principle shows us God's explosive delight in creation and invites us to mirror that same wonder toward our children * A dad who fights for his family anchors on three words: loved (secure identity), learner (humble growth), and leader (purposeful connection) * Simple triggers like a cup of water can activate us to lead with wonder instead of annoyance

Guest Jeff Zaugg is the founder of DadAwesome and host of over 390 podcast episodes, helping fathers across the country discover the joy of fatherhood. Through his work with FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS, he's mobilized over 1,100 men through endurance challenges that have raised over $1 million for vulnerable children. Jeff believes the single greatest gift dads can give their children is the gift of presence—being fully with them in each moment. He and his wife Michelle have been married for eighteen years and are parents to four daughters, currently based in Northeast Florida, where you'll find him surfing with his girls or building epic backyard rope swings.

Quotes: * "We honor God in heaven by treasuring the gift of fatherhood, not just enduring it." * "Wonder isn't the absence of pain, but the ability to see God's beauty and goodness even in our suffering." * "You gotta be son awesome before you try to show up as dad awesome—get soaking wet with God's love first." * "Our pace robs us of awe. When there's no space to gaze, celebrate, or pause, we can't encounter God's goodness." * "I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart, not unforgiveness weighing me down." * "We can choose to treasure fatherhood or endure fatherhood—familiarity keeps us from wonder." * "A cup of water can activate us to lead with wonder instead of moving toward annoyance."

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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 that will transform how you navigate family tension. You'll discover the SOG plan for conflict resolution, learn the SERVE acrostic for loving your wife well, and hear an incredible story about how bringing the gospel to his 12-year-old daughter melted her rebellious heart in seconds. These aren't just concepts—they're practical tools you can use tonight.

TAKEAWAYS * The SOG plan (Self-aware, Other-aware, God-aware) breaks the cycle of self-justification and blame in family conflicts. * Asking "What would please and honor God right now?" can instantly transform heated arguments into opportunities for growth. * The SERVE acrostic gives dads a clear roadmap for loving their wives: Smile, Explore, Reconcile, Value, Encourage. * Bringing the gospel to your kids is more powerful than any lecture—it softens hearts and creates lasting change. * When daddy comes home, the whole household should light up because you've learned to put wind under everyone's wings.

GUEST Ken Sande is the founder of Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360. As a lawyer turned peacemaker, he has helped resolve over 600 family conflicts, including 300+ marriages headed for divorce. Ken is the author of multiple books on conflict resolution and relational wisdom. He and his wife Corlette have been married for nearly 40 years and are more in love today than ever before.

LINKS * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Learn about the DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Peacemaker Ministries * Relational Wisdom 360 * Ken Sande's Blog on Humility, Teachability, and Flexibility * Seven Steps to Empathy Resource * Young Peacemaker Curriculum (The 5 A's for Kids)

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✅ 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 year isn't about compatibility, but about something dads never learned to model? In this episode, Ken Sande reveals how emotionally stunted men are created when fathers never show their kids how to say "I'm sorry" or "I need help." You'll discover the Seven A's of confession that can break generational patterns and the upstream approach to preventing conflict before it starts. Plus, Ken shares practical tools for managing your emotions in the heat of the moment—including the six-second technique that can save your tongue from doing damage.

Key Takeaways: * More people are watching your responses to conflict than you realize—about 10 times more—and you're teaching through your reactions. * The Seven A's of confession provide a framework for meaningful apologies that actually heal relationships rather than just checking a box. * Emotional stunting passes from generation to generation when fathers never model humility, confession, or asking for help. * The READ technique (Recognize, Evaluate, Anticipate, Direct) helps you manage amygdala hijacking and respond thoughtfully instead of reactively. * Going "upstream" to prevent conflict through relational wisdom is more effective than constantly putting out the fires of broken relationships. * Your royal identity as a child of God, friend of Jesus, and ambassador of reconciliation should shape how you lead your family 24/7.

Guest: Ken Sande founded Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360, organizations focused on conflict resolution and relationship skills. After 30 years of mediating conflicts—including over 600 divorce cases with more than half reconciling—Ken shifted focus to go "upstream" and help people prevent conflict through biblical emotional intelligence. He's the author of multiple books on peacemaking and relational wisdom, and lives in Billings, Montana, where he enjoys hiking and backpacking with his family and grandchildren.

Links Mentioned: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Young Peacemaker Curriculum (The 5 A's for Kids) * Discovering Relational Wisdom Online Course * Relational Peacemaking Course * Relational Wisdom 360 (RW360.org) * Peacemaker Ministries resources * Six Skills That Help Every Relationship * Three Qualities Blog

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✅ 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, Darren Whitehead (dad of 4 teenage girls) shares how he led his entire church through a 40-day digital fast and discovered the secret to high-definition parenting. You'll hear why smartphones make us feel god-like, how to have the phone conversation with your kids, and what a Havanese dog named Bruce taught him about presence.

FULL SHOW NOTES:

Key Takeaways:

• Smartphones simulate God's attributes (omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence) and we weren't built for limitless power
• Collective action is more effective than individual willpower—do digital fasts as a community, not alone
• No smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, and more unsupervised outdoor play
• When you put your phone down, you experience parenting in "high definition"—fully present and aware of these fleeting moments
• The most precious moments with your kids are being exchanged for infinitely trivial distractions

Guest

Darren Whitehead is the author of The Digital Fast and senior pastor of Journey Church in Franklin, Tennessee. He's a former youth pastor turned girl dad of four teenage daughters (ages 11, 14, 16, and 18). Darren has led thousands of people through digital detoxes and speaks regularly about technology, parenting, and spiritual formation. He and his wife live in Tennessee with their daughters and Bruce, their Havanese therapy dog.

Links Mentioned:

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
• The Digital Fast by Darren Whitehead
• Journey Church Franklin, Tennessee
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Sissy Goff (teenage girl counselor)

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✅ 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 happiness it can never deliver. In this powerful episode, Todd Harper shares how his son went from declaring "I'm going to be filthy rich and never give a dollar away" at 15 to sacrificially giving a third of his salary before his death at 26. You'll discover why most dads approach generosity as an "ought to" instead of a "get to," practical ways to make giving fun for young kids, and Todd's simple four-pillar framework that works regardless of your income level.

Takeaways * The switch from "ought to" to "get to" changes everything about generosity—and kids can smell obligation from a mile away * Once someone tastes the joy of giving, they never go back; Todd has never met a "former generous person" * Simple tactics like leaving a $20 tip on a $3 check and watching through the window create unforgettable generosity moments for kids * The four pillars of stewardship: Work diligently, give generously, save responsibly, live contentedly * Money lies to us about security, control, happiness, and affirmation—contentment isn't tied to financial realities * Taking kids to serve special needs children or experiencing international poverty shatters entitlement and builds gratitude * The 1% challenge: increase your giving by 1% each year and watch God's faithfulness compound over decades

Guest: Todd Harper is a passionate advocate for biblical generosity and the heart behind Generous Giving, where he's spent 25 years helping families discover the joy of open-handed living. Married to his college sweetheart for 37 years, Todd is a father of eight kids (five biological, three through marriage) and is about to become a grandfather. After losing his eldest son Davis seven and a half years ago, Todd has gained a deeper perspective on eternal values and the importance of living with heaven in view. Through Generous Giving, he's worked with families across the wealth spectrum, helping them experience the life-changing shift from obligation-based giving to joy-filled generosity.

Links: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Generous Giving: www.generousgiving.org * Journey of Generosity experiences * National Christian Foundation * Nathaniel's Hope (Make Them Smile events)

Quotes: "We can't BS our kids. They read through all of it. If we're generous out of obligation, it's not going to translate differently for them."

"I've never met a former generous person."

"The world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller."

"Everybody wants to experience a miracle, but nobody wants to be in a position to need one."

"Money, money, money—all I really want is my dad to know my friends' names."

Davis Harper’s gift to his dad on his 50th birthday:

1) I love how you love mom. Your marriage is such a great example to me.

2) I love how you brag on your kids. You're always telling someone about the cool things your kids are doing.

3) I love that you love watching basketball with me and asking questions. You want to know my world.

4) I love that you took us on trips growing up, im learning the value of all those experiences as I grow up.

5) I love how international you are about family time. You are the most happy whenever you are with your family.

6) I love that you are active. It's bad to the bone that you still cycle and golf and water ski, you're a total cool dad!

7) I love your saying "pay for experiences, not stuff"

8) I love hearing how good a friend you are to people. People are always telling me how incredible of a friend you are to them.

9) I love that you're a reader. You're always telling me about something you're reading or something I should check out.

10) I love that you unconditionally love me. Your example of how to love your wife and kids is incredible.

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✅ 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, how do we raise kids who know they belong to God instead of their devices? Jay Kim, a pastor living in Silicon Valley, shares his family's journey of moving at the "pace of peace" while navigating digital distractions. From practicing the ancient prayer of Examen with his 10 and 7-year-old to implementing radical boundaries around smartphones, Jay offers practical wisdom for dads who want to show up—really show up—for their children in an analog way.

TAKEAWAYS

• Moving at the "pace of peace" means prioritizing relationships over plans and never compromising people for productivity
• The Examen prayer creates a powerful bedtime rhythm: presence, gratitude, reflection, confession, and hope for tomorrow
• Breath prayers can transform everyday moments—try "God, you control outcomes" (inhale) and "help me to be faithful" (exhale)
• Digital addiction requires intentional intervention: practice one hour tech-free daily, one day weekly, one week yearly
• Your kids need to see you detached from devices—dock phones away from family spaces to model analog presence
• Catechism in daily rhythms reinforces identity: "What is our only hope in life and death? We are not our own, we belong to God"
• Social media should have age restrictions like alcohol and tobacco—consider no social media until 18
• The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) is the antidote to digital-age discontentment, fragility, and foolishness

GUEST

Jay Kim is a pastor in Northern California's Silicon Valley, author of multiple books including Analog Christian and Analog Church, and host of the Digital Examen podcast. He and his wife Jenny have two children and are committed to practicing intentional, incarnational family rhythms in one of the world's most digitally connected regions. Jay's work focuses on helping followers of Jesus navigate technology with wisdom while cultivating deeper spiritual practices.

Links * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Analog Christian by Jay Kim * Analog Church by Jay Kim * Digital Examen Podcast * The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch * The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt * Examen Prayer Family Guide (Free PDF) * Heidelberg Catechism for Children * Listen. Listen. Speak. by Jay Kim

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✅ 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 showed up for his games taught Leo Clark what it means to truly fight for the hearts of his children. In this powerful conversation, Leo shares how he's breaking generational cycles through his basketball ministry, intentional parenting, and the healing journey that transformed his ability to love. You'll hear how pain that isn't dealt with can block our capacity to parent well, and how God's restoration can create ripple effects that impact not just our own children, but countless others.

TAKEAWAYS * Breaking generational cycles begins with healing your own pain and allowing God to father you first * A dad who fights for his kids shows up consistently, even when they try to push him away * Being intentional about prayer and writing down specific prayers for your children creates lasting impact * Your smile can be a gift that breaks down barriers and opens doors for meaningful connection * Pain that isn't dealt with limits your capacity to love well and be fully present for your children * The words you speak to your children become their inner voice—make them words of life * Creating a legacy of love requires intentional reflection and being willing to be vulnerable

GUEST Leo Clark is the co-founder of Go Get It, a basketball training ministry that mentors young men on and off the court. Growing up as the son of a famous heavyweight boxer who was physically absent from his life, Leo has dedicated himself to breaking generational cycles and being fully present for his five children. His powerful testimony of healing and restoration was featured in episode three of the Wild at Heart documentary series. Leo lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Marianne and continues to impact countless young men through basketball, mentorship, and his passion for fatherhood.

LINKS

• Wild at Heart Documentary Series: Episode 3 featuring Leo Clark
• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org
• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

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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 family (seriously!)

This episode is filled with giggles, wisdom, and practical advice for dads navigating the beautiful chaos of family life.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/382

SUMMARY: The Zaugg girls take over the podcast! In this special episode, Justin Whitmel Earley joins the four sisters to discuss his delightful new children's book, "The Big Mess." Discover why creating giant desserts (and sometimes destroying them) can teach profound lessons about forgiveness, sibling relationships, and finding God in the beautiful chaos of family life. Plus, hear why the girls are planning their own rooftop cookie adventure and how throwing pancakes across the kitchen can become a cherished family tradition.

TAKEAWAYS * The best relationship-building moments with your children happen in the mess, not by avoiding or controlling it. * As kids grow older, shift from structured rhythms to creating intentional spaces where deeper conversations can happen naturally. * Relationship is built in shared activity—invite your children into your projects, even when it means things will take longer or be done imperfectly. * A "pause prayer" before disciplining your children can transform how you respond to frustrating situations. * The reconciliation between siblings can be generative, creating joy that extends beyond your family to bless your entire neighborhood.

GUEST Justin Whitmel Earley is the bestselling author of "The Common Rule," "Habits of the Household," and "Mate." He's also the founder of The Hang Ten Movement, which encourages parents to wait until 10th grade before giving their children smartphones. Justin lives with his wife and four sons near Richmond, Virginia, where they enjoy building (and sometimes smashing) enormous desserts in their kitchen and driveway.

Links mentioned: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome: * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * The Big Mess by Justin Whitmel Earley * The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley * Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley * Made For People by Justin Whitmel Earley * The Hang Ten Movement

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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 staying faithful in the small things prepares you for the big moments that matter most.

TAKEAWAYS * Consistency in three areas—staying married, staying moral, and pursuing God—creates a foundation that enables deeper father-child connections. * Only strong fathers have the courage to ask their children where they need to improve; weak men avoid this vulnerability. * When your child makes concerning choices, choose thoughtful engagement over passive silence—staying in the battle is more important than saying everything perfectly. * The most meaningful moments in fatherhood are earned through years of faithful presence and moral consistency. * Choose laughter and joy in your home—a house that hasn't heard genuine laughter in months reveals deeper issues.

GUEST Bob Merritt served as Senior Pastor of Eagle Brook Church for over two decades before transitioning to leadership teaching, consulting, and coaching. He is a father of two, grandfather of six, and author of several books on leadership and faith. Bob is known for his practical, down-to-earth teaching style and his passionate commitment to helping people grow in their faith and leadership.

Links mentioned: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Bob Merritt's website and resources https://www.bobmerritt.com/ * Eagle Brook Church

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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 thing you could do as a dad wasn't extraordinary at all? In this heart-stirring conversation, Pastor Bob Merritt reveals how 30+ years of simple daily faithfulness transformed his family's life. From humble beginnings to leading one of Minnesota's largest churches, Bob shares the painful intervention that saved his career, marriage, and fatherhood legacy. Plus, you'll hear his daughter's emotional tribute that will make you rethink what true success as a dad looks like.

TAKEAWAYS * Your daily faithfulness matters more than you realize—even when parenting feels monotonous and difficult * Leading your family to church consistently is one of the most foundational ways to impact your children's faith * Confronting your blind spots requires tremendous courage but can completely transform your family legacy * The words you speak and the example you set as a dad influence your children for decades to come * Creating a home your children want to be in starts with staying faithful to your spouse

GUEST Bob Merritt served as Senior Pastor of Eagle Brook Church in Minnesota for nearly three decades, helping it grow to become one of the largest churches in America. He's the author of several books including "Done With That" and "Get Wise." Now retired from full-time ministry, Bob enjoys spending time with his wife Laurie, their two adult children, and six grandchildren. His greatest joy is seeing his family's continued commitment to faith and watching the legacy of intentional parenting extend to the next generation.

5 Most Impactful Quotes * "It really is in the small, little daily things that really matter... I think parenting is the hardest thing on the planet... But I would go back and say it's your daily faithfulness, even though you don't know what you're doing half the time. But it's your daily faithfulness to your marriage, to showing up at home after work, to put the kids in your lap and just day after day after day after day of monotony in many cases. But out of that, God has a ripple effect and will do things and impact people now in ways that you'd never dreamed possible." * "You don't have to know how to pray. You don't even have to read the Bible that much. You don't have to know how to memorize scripture or do devotions. But you can lead your kids to church and see what God will do because they're watching you." * "Will I have enough humility, will I have enough strength to ask somebody, 'Hey, will you help me see some things in my life?' It's a person of strength who is willing to admit 'I've got an anger problem.' People of weakness will never admit they have an issue." * "Every human being, because we are sinful, we are all flawed. We all have blindspots. Every dad should give themselves the gift of going to a professional counselor and say, 'Hey, where am I good and where am I weak? Would you help me see my weak spots?' For many men, that would be the key transformational moment in their life." * "You are the most important influence as a dad in your home... your kids are watching you at all times. For good or bad, how you live your life as a dad will impact your kids for the rest of their life."

Links mentioned: * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 * Bob Merritt Website: https://www.bobmerritt.com/

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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 become stories worth telling.
• Doing hard things awakens the warrior in you.
• Every parent struggles with parent guilt, so give yourself grace.
• Do you have 12 men in your town you could call at 2 a.m. who’d show up, no questions asked? If not, it’s time to build your tribe.

GUEST

Dave “Goose” Mills is the Founder and Director of Men’s Alliance. Spending his career in the Air Force flying squadrons taught him how tribes are formed, how they operate, and how they save lives. He started Men's Alliance to surround himself with strong Christian warriors in order to keep his life on course. Goose has been married for 24 years and has four kids.

QUOTES

• "I believe we were literally designed for hard times... It's not just that it makes us better men, which it does, but it also awakens in us, you know, the heart that God designed us to have. We were born to do hard things." - David Mills [00:09:37]
• "You would be an absolute fool to try to do this by yourself. Like, don't try to go this alone. The myth of the lone ranger has been prevalent in our culture. The truth of the matter is everything important and big that's ever been done was done by a group." - David Mills [00:30:01]

LINKS

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618

• Men's Alliance

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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:

• Instead of avoiding grief, learn to walk through it in a healthy way so your sorrow can eventually lead to joy.
• If you want your kids to follow Christ, you have to show them what that looks like in your everyday life.
• You’re not raising kids; you’re launching disciples.
• No one else can do what God designed you as a man to do.
• The time you invest in younger dads today can equip them for the challenges they’ll face decades from now.

GUEST

Brian Doyle is the Founder and President of Iron Sharpens Iron and serves as the National Director of the ISI Ministry Network. The mission of Iron Sharpens Iron is to equip churches to train men for spiritual leadership in the home, church and community.

#DadAwesome #christiandad #dadlife #parenting #dadpodcast #fatherhood

Links mentioned:

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618

• Iron Sharpens Iron

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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 on your circumstances.
• God wired your brain for emotions, so it’s important to know what helps you return to your relational, peaceful self.
• Validation and comfort sets the stage for effective correction.
• Building joy helps you and your kids navigate life’s challenges with more resilience.

Guest bio:

Chris Coursey is the President of THRIVEtoday. For nearly 25 years he has been developing and practicing brain-based solutions to make relationships work. Chris is a published author with ten books in print, husband to Jen, and father to Matthew and Andrew.

Links mentioned:

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618

• THRIVEtoday
• Emotions Wheel
• The Joy Switch
• The 4 Habits Series
• All Books and Resources

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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 from undistracted one-on-one interactions where you connect with your kids in their world each day.
• A child’s mind and heart are like wet cement, and the words you say leave lasting impressions.
• It’s important to create a safe, shame-free space to talk about sex and God’s design for the body with your kids.
• Be prepared to guide your kids through a complex digital world filled with AI, robots, and other predatory technology.
• God designed your marriage to flourish.

GUEST:

Dave Willis and his wife, Ashley, are the authors of multiple books including the bestseller, The Naked Marriage. They’re also Christian speakers, marriage coaches, and the hosts of The Marriage on the Line Podcasts. They have four sons and live near Augusta, Georgia.

Key Quotes:

• "Being present in these moments in like every single day looking for the undistracted one-on-one conversation with each kid, trying to connect with them in their world each day. It doesn't have to be big or fancy or structured, but being intentional about that, those tend to be my best moments of the day." [00:05:41]
• "We cannot overestimate the power of our words. And God designed it that way. He created the whole universe using His words... the words we're speaking to our kids, they're gonna become the soundtrack, the inner voice in those kids' heads as they grow. I mean, they're gonna hear our voices for the rest of their lives." [00:01:12]
• "When our kids, what they see in us, they think is healthy and they think it's normal, even if it's totally broken." [00:05:59]
• "Your teaching authority, moral authority, doesn't come from a place of perfection... but they desperately needed to come from a placed of honesty and authenticity to say like, listen, this is where I blew it." [00:25:43]
• "Let's be dads who pass along generational blessing instead of baggage to our kids." (This is from his closing prayer) [00:39:05]

Links mentioned:

• Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

• Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org

• Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618

• The Naked Marriage by Dave & Ashley Willis
• Raising Boys Who Respect Girls by Dave Willis
• The Marriage on the Line Podcast
• “When I Tell You that I Love You” Poem
• 9 Days to Great Sex Free eBook

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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 your Christian walk.

Key Takeaway * The hyper-rational, left-brain approach to life isn’t good for your soul. You were designed to experience beauty, wonder, and connection with God. * There’s a battle for your attention and affection, and the world is constantly trying to pull your union with God apart. * Turning your heart toward God often comes before intellectual understanding. * Learning to linger in God’s presence is essential for healing, connection, and repairing your soul in a world programmed for distraction.

John Eldredge John Eldredge is an author, counselor, teacher, and the president of Wild at Heart. He and his wife, Stasi, have three sons and are proud grandparents. John loves all things beauty, nature, adventure, and more.

Key Quotes * 10:35 - " Psalm 91, he who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. And I think that idea of rest, let your anxiety come down, let the cortisol come down, let the fight or flightcome down a little bit. I think this is a brilliant gospel moment to be able to show people, you know what, you can actually be safe in the love of God, you can actually feel safe in His care and in His protection. If we can get people, back to your thing, if we can get the wonder back. If you can get the cynical adult pragmatism to just put the gun down for a minute and just go, you know what, you can actually take refuge in the presence of God. You will find it to be that lovely fort experience of, I feel good." * 38:54 - "You sit with another human being and look eye to eye and listen to one another, it literally heals the human brain. It is a healing experience to your physiology to listen with compassion and to be listened to with compassion. That's just basic human connection."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge * Audible: Experience Jesus. Really. * Wild at Heart Events * 30 Days to Resilient in the One Minute Pause App

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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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 your kids.

Key Takeaway * Being a supportive protector instead of forcing connection as your daughter ages will build intimacy and make both of your lives easier. * Your daughter’s view of men will be shaped by how safe and loved she feels with you as her father. * Just like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, your daughter’s spiritual, physical, and hormonal transformation requires you to stand back and trust God’s design. * Your thoughts and words hold immense power. Choose to speak vision and blessings over your daughter’s life.

Jay Heck & Rob Porter Jay Heck is the founder and director of Being Songs, a ministry helping men discover that authentic, fearless, God-designed manhood begins by being a son. He and his wife, Heather, have two young adult children.

Rob Porter lives in New Zealand with his wife and two kids. He leads Let’s Keep Rising, a ministry that crafts adventures, events, and resources that meet men where they are and help them experience restoration in the most critical relationships they have, beginning with God

Key Quotes * 21:15 - "I recall you mentioning, Jay, I get to become more of a son through my daughter. So the thing that sticks out to me is, what are the messages my daughter is receiving from me? Jay, I think you laid out this idea of air, food and water. Attention being the air, affection being the food, and affirmation being the water. And what I'm really feeling, where I'm maturing, is my awareness in a given situation. So, that when I'm feeling stressed or frustrated or whatever my emotions are stirring, that I'm able to separate that from coming out to my child. That I'm able to be aware of what's the message that they're receiving from me." * 24:51 - "One of the things that I was guilty of, and this was my heart's response or reaction to fear, that I don't know what I'm doing. So, when I can't make sense of it, I like to put a label on it. My daughter is difficult, or she's hard-headed. I mean, people joke about this stuff all the time, but when you really begin to think about it, you are speaking and you are affirming a reality. You're speaking something into existence. Like if I, in my anger, I can say, my daughter's being so difficult today. And the next day I say the same thing. And then after three days, I'm like, my daughter is difficult. Like it grows, the story begins to be more comprehensive. I don't know what to do with my daughter. Wow, is that really the story or is it you just don't know what to do in this instant with her? You don't know how to love her. And so we can just say these curses all the time."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Let’s Keep Rising * Being Sons Events * Raising Boys and Girls * 31: A Dad’s Guide to "The Stages of The Feminine Journey" w/Stasi Eldredge | Being Sons Podcast * Sissy Goff Books

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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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 is going to come through for him even if he makes a mistake? * Slowing down can help you navigate the tension between being a provider and embracing curiosity, wonder, and creativity. * God uses your trials to bring wholeness, restoration, and healing. * You don’t have to exhaust yourself to allow God to do a work in you. * Instead of carrying the burden of fatherhood alone, realize that you are ultimately raising God’s child, and He will be there to help you.

Jay Heck & Rob Porter Jay Heck is the founder and director of Being Songs, a ministry helping men discover that authentic, fearless, God-designed manhood begins by being a son. He and his wife, Heather, have two young adult children.

Rob Porter lives in New Zealand with his wife and two kids. He leads Let’s Keep Rising, a ministry that crafts adventures, events, and resources that meet men where they are and help them experience restoration in the most critical relationships they have, beginning with God

Key Quotes * 14:49- "I want to learn from it. I want to patch things up where there's been a rupture and let's keep going. And that has produced so much fruit. Growing up as a kid, I came out of childhood with a fear of a lack of connection, a lack of attachment with my children. So I think out of the pain and out of the crucible of our past, we have the opportunity to have a glorious future if we dig into God and say, help redeem what my experience was." * 47:35 - "What if, in fact, we begin operating under the paradigm that God is the Father, which means that all provision actually comes from Him. All protection actually comes from Him. The plan for my child's life that I feel like is so on me to help them navigate, what if God, like it says in Scripture, already has all the days numbered for them before one of them came to be? What if He already knows their nature, their goodness? What if He already knows what He's been training them for, what they're learning in the present moment, and He already knows, I've got all this stuff that I need to them and father them through for them to become what I created. What that means is that I can get in the way. If I take that posture that I'm the dad, I can so much be the wall and the obstacle between God and my child. If I can, if we can begin looking at it where God is the Father will, and then we've got this interchangeable relationship, I can be His child and God's going to use my son or my daughter to help me lean on Him."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Let’s Keep Rising * Being Sons Events

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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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, your kids need to know what lights them up inside. * Your victories, as well as failures, are all part of God’s bigger plan. * Be your child’s biggest cheerleader, and they’ll want to stick around. * The Top Five Plays to Run as a Dad: show affection; live the Gospel; practice a God-led work ethic; mentor and multiple; and speak vision and purpose into your children.

Mike Wehde Mike Wehde is the Founding Pastor of Lifecoast Church in Palm Coast, Florida. He and his wife, Holly, have five kids and several grandkids. Mike has owned multiple businesses and works as a leadership coach for business and church leaders. They believe the kingdom of God will be advanced through family and community impact.

Key Quotes * 11:10 - "Thanks for winking at me, God, because it is time spent. It's intentionality. It's time away from kids or whatever you can afford. I just think there is times you're mentoring and modeling that for your kids, so that they'll do that when they get older, not just with their kids, but who am I walking with?" * 22:22 - "We want to fight for the opportunities and don't miss those opportunities. If they need to grow, they need to grow. If they need to be loved on, they need to be loved on. If you need to protect them, you protect them. If you need to pull back and let a fail, let them fail. But they'll always know you're there and you're for them. And that's really huge to know the things I need to fight for. You knew dad was always going to be your provider. That's kind of a given. We should be doing that. But I also need to fight for every little moment I see could be an opportunity where I can show you my love, I'm for you, or now's the grow time and it's safe. We're not going anywhere."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Lifecoast Church * Christian Family Entrepreneurs

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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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 failure, embrace the truth of God’s love and grace. * With God’s help, decide what your family name stands for in the community. * Failure paves the way to success. * When your kids are grown, what will compel them to want to be around you? Start implementing those things early.

Mike Wehde Mike Wehde is the Founding Pastor of Lifecoast Church in Palm Coast, Florida. He and his wife, Holly, have five kids and several grandkids. Mike has owned multiple businesses and works as a leadership coach for business and church leaders. They believe the kingdom of God will be advanced through family and community impact.

Key Quotes * 9:48 - "We really do want to live with in terms of, we have a calling that's towards God's kingdom. And it doesn't just include my life. It doesn't stop there. So all my decisions have to have those thought processes, how is this going to affect my kids, my grandkids and who they're becoming. Most of us know that past grand, grand, maybe grand, great grand people aren't going to talk about you much more. They were just the picture on the wall and everything else. But who we are can go from generation to generation, and you have to nail that down, at least before they leave the house. But even after, if you're friends with them, you can still shape it like we are, we're still shaping that. And so for us, living as a calling towards building God's kingdom, not our kingdom." * 28:02 - "You've just got to early on embrace that God's got the big picture. God really has these children and children are so resilient, forgetful anyway. I was talking to Dakota about this the other day, I just was really harsh with him and just an hour later, he's running up to me, hugging the stuffing out of me like, I'm the best dad ever. Like, how is this? I mean, God's grace, man, you embrace it. And that's the truth. Embrace that truth. Because as long as you're trying, as long as you're learning, I won't do that again and write it down or don't do that again. God's like, I got love and grace all over this baby, because they're in a good home. They're in a nice home of faithful parents, praying parents and also humble parents, [saying] I messed up."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Lifecoast Church * Christian Family Entrepreneurs

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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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 PASS the baton as a dad, focus on purpose-filled fathering, activities, studies, and staying connected. * Your church should have an electric buzz around fathering. * Fatherhood is not just about financial provision; it's about being a visionary for where your child is headed. * If a fatherhood resource doesn’t exist, maybe God is calling you to create it.

Rick Wertz Rick Wertz is the founder and president of Faithful Fathering. He is a popular speaker for church groups and various organizations as he advocates for fathers and families. Rick has been married to Linda for 43 years, and they have two grown children.

Key Quotes * 5:49 - "I was very selfish, but I knew if I was stumbling, there were other Dads out there stumbling, too. So, I did receive a very clear call for the ministry, which is that He, the Lord, said, the light in my church is dim. We, the church, mirrors society in many cases and arguably in most cases mirrors society more than influences society. So, my call was to get into the church and illumine the fathering movement in the church. Then the church could illumine the community to the significance and the importance of fathers." * 24:26 - "We have to get to know our kids and we have to expose them to a lot of things. I'm not one that says you can just take one activity and just do that for this year. I want them to do as much as I can take on. It's going to be crazy in the house and we're going to be going in different directions, Mom and Dad sometimes. But as far as I'm concerned, that's part of our job. One of the biggest things we do after, is exemplifying in marriage, we're exemplifying our relationship with Christ every day because that's the closest thing to our relationship with Christ. And so that's what the kids need to see. That's the primary education we give our kids day in, day out. But after that, we have to help them understand how they've been uniquely gifted."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Faithful Fathering * FREE New Year Faithful Father Resolve Guide * Dads Becoming Heroes Study * Faithful Fathering Books, Studies, and Videos for Dads

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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 of embarrassment. * You need a strong brotherhood to help you see through the fog and chaos of life. * If your kid doesn’t engage in conversation, they might not feel comfortable enough to bring you their problems because they know you’d be disappointed. * The issue with the father wound is it can manifest itself so far down the line in ways that seem functional but aren’t. * It doesn’t matter how you start; it only matters how you finish. And as long as you’re breathing, it’s not too late to make things right.

David Dusek David Dusek’s mission is to encourage and equip men to live their lives for Christ. He is an author, speaker, and the founder of Rough Cut Men Ministries. David resides in Florida with his wife and has five adult children and two grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 4:47 - "Isolation is the linchpin to everything. The enemy of our souls gets us by ourselves. He does it on purpose. He knows if I can get this guy by himself, I can rack him, his marriage, the kids, and the legacy that comes after him. All you got to do is go after one guy and make him feel so defeated when he looks in the mirror, first thing in the morning, and he faces his own worst enemy, that he stays isolated because of embarrassment. This is another reason why we don't connect with men. There's something in our lives we're completely embarrassed by. We're disappointed in ourselves, and we know that everybody around us, if they could see in through the wall we have up, they would be disappointed too. And so in order to not disappoint, we just don't go all in. Because that takes transparency. That takes putting it out there and trusting that someone will walk us through it or help us get through it and not burn us in the process." * 25:32 - "We have to do that reset every day because we have bad days at work. We have bad phone calls. We get bad phone calls literally on the way home. When we pull in the garage, we've got to breathe long enough to say they don't deserve this. They deserve my best. Because if we die, they will not be talking about us at the office, but they will be talking about us around the table at Thanksgiving and the legacy that we leave behind doesn't matter at work, it matters at home. So we need to breathe. Just stop. Breathe. And like you said, I am about ready to walk into the most important meeting of the day. I don't care if you met the president, you were, the one you're going into after work, that's the one that matters the most."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Rough Cut Men Ministries * Rough Cut Men: A Man's Battle Guide to Building Real Relationships with Each Other, and with Jesus by David Dusek * “Who Has Your Six” Video Series

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What does it mean to be a R.E.A.L. man? In this episode, Dave Wilson breaks down the four pillars of manhood that will challenge and change you. Plus, you’ll hear practical tips on prayer, fasting, and leaving a good legacy. Tune in and get inspired to be the husband, father, and protector you were created to be.

Key Takeaways * Courage is contagious, but so is passivity. * Real men reject passivity, engage with God, accept responsibility, and lead courageously. * True life is only found vertically. * Do what is right, even if no one is cheering for you. * The next time you feel afraid, step up, lead boldly, and trust God with the outcome.

Dave Wilson Dave Wilson and his wife, Ann, are hosts of FamilyLife Today® and authors of two books. They have been married for more than 38 years and have spent the last 33 years teaching and mentoring couples and parents across the country. Dave and Ann have three grown sons, as well as three daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 10:36 - "One of the big things I've tried to pass on is don't be passive, be a man who sees a need and acts, be a man who sees his wife needing him to be sensitive in that moment, be sensitive and gentle. Or maybe she needs him to be firm in that moment, be firm. I think passivity in us men is rampant and that's contagious." * 12:49 - "Scripture says the sins of the father visit down the third and fourth generation. That's a promise. It's going to happen unless you intentionally stop it. And a lot of people don't know, in that same verse in Exodus 20, God says yes, but the Father who is righteous, I will bless his legacy to a thousand generations. So, there's this promise on both sides. You better be very careful how you live because it's going into your legacy, good or bad. To watch that is pretty powerful."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * FamilyLife® * Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That Will Change Your Marriage by Dave & Ann Wilson * No Perfect Parents: Ditch Expectations, Embrace Reality, and Discover the One Secret That Will Change Your Parenting by Dave & Ann Wilson * Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis * How to Speak Life to Your Husband: When All You Want to Do Is Yell at Him by Ann Wilson * Dan Orlovsky takes a moment to pray for Damar Hamlin | ESPN

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Scott Mawdesley wants to inspire dads to heal, grow closer to God, and build meaningful connections. Through leatherworking and contemplative practices, Scott has learned key insights about how to grow as a man and father. In this episode, he shares how those hobbies and intentional habits have helped him lead with purpose, wisdom, and a restful presence.

Key Takeaways * In leatherworking, it takes seven different tools to make one bracelet. The same is true in life: You need multiple imports to intentionally shape the life you want. * If your reaction to a problem is bigger than the problem itself, there’s a gap that needs healing. * Start each year by asking your kids, “Is there one area that I could get better as a dad that would be meaningful to you?” * On March 14, kick off a journey toward deeper spiritual friendship with National Joe with a Bro Day!

Scott Mawdesley Scott Mawdesley is a social entrepreneur, author, and podcast host with over 33 years of ministry experience at several leading churches. He is the founder of Dads on Tap and the Spiritual Father Program Director at Man in the Mirror Ministries. Scott and his wife, Natalie, have been married for almost 24 years and have a son in college and a daughter in high school.

Key Quotes * 17:53 - "The most practical way for us to understand that there's a gap that we're unaware of or need to pay attention to is think back in the last two weeks of your life, whether it's with your wife or your kids or at work or in your community, wherever it might be. When was there a time when your reaction to the issue at hand was bigger than the issue at hand? If there was, you have a gap, whether you're aware of it or not. There are two steps to healing and a soul at rest. First one is revealed. So John revealed to me I had a gap, I began to explore that. What we often do is we often think revealed is enough. Reveal feels really good because, I've never knew this before, I never saw this. What we tend to do is go, okay, I'm good. The second step is healed. So, once it's revealed, there's a process necessary. For me, it happened be six years because there was quite a bit of trauma to get to a place of being healed. That one question is kind of what revealed that stuff to me. And then we took that healing journey." * 41:37 - "Oftentimes there's the dream we have that I believe God's given us and then there's the reality of how we're actually living. What we often do as men is we often try to gut it out. What we say to ourselves is just try harder. But then we end up in the same patterns, the same issues. I lived in frustration for many years until, until the journey of, of healing took me to a place where I realized that those things I'm struggling with are just the symptom. No good doctor ever just deals with the symptoms, they figure out the underlying causes. What I realized was as I took my focus off of the symptoms, I began to dig into those underlying causes. What I discovered was that with the healing of brothers and with the healing of the Holy Spirit and with the healing of some mentors, I was able to live into the dream God had for me, by doing that deeper work in my life. And I would just say, dads, if there's something you're struggling with, you can't figure out how to get beyond, don't invest too much time trying to gut it out and figure it out on your own or just try harder."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Dads On Tap * A Dad's Bible Journey: The Torah by Scott D. Mawdesley * Man in the Mirror — Spiritual Fathers * Joe With a Bro

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Ron Hauenstein, leader of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative, shares how fatherhood training can strengthen families, churches, and communities. With heartfelt stories and eye-opening facts, he’ll inspire you to take simple, practical steps to combat fatherlessness and create a lasting impact in your community.

Key Takeaways * Changed dads change everything. * If you feel led to start a fatherhood organization, ask people whether they think programs to support fathers are important, and you’ll get an overwhelming response. * Around 75% of people consider fatherlessness to be a serious issue. * As a dad, you occupy a space in your kids’ hearts that no one else can fill.

Ron Hauenstein Ron Hauenstein is the president and founder of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative. SpoFI offers comprehensive fatherhood training and parenting classes, equipping fathers with vital skills for every stage of parenting. Ron and his wife Becky have two grown children.

Key Quotes * 19:18 - "We believe that changed dads change everything. Our founding principle is that fatherlessness is a root cause of nearly all of society's problems. The positive way of stating that is dedicated, committed fathers change society, improves society, changed dads change everything." * 33:23 - "Fatherhood is a role you cannot escape. You can flee from your kids all you want, but you are still dad. You occupy a space in their hearts that no one else can take. No one else can have. I'm a father. I will stay a father. We have a fatherhood pledge in our classes, that's one of the lines we have the men stand up and say out loud, I'm a dad, I'll stay dad and I will be a dad to my children."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * Spokane Fatherhood Initiative * The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson

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In the second half of this conversation, Justin Whitmel Earley shares the rest of his core daily habits, including prayer, time with friends, and date nights with his wife. Plus, he introduces the Hang Ten Movement. As technology continues to impact spiritual discipleship, these 10 simple practices can help you raise your kids to use technology for good.

Key Takeaways * Good luck doing anything important in life alone. * Your habits will not change God’s love for you, but God’s love for you should change your habits. * The most important factor in your discipleship to Jesus right now is likely how you use technology. * There are 10 simple technology practices you should implement in your home.

Justin Whitmel Earley Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author, and speaker from Richmond, Virginia. His books include The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, Made for People, and more. Justin is married to Lauren and has four sons: Whit, Asher, Coulter, and Shep.

Key Quotes * 13:37 - "Everything in the world is better with friends. We tend to not be able to accomplish anything we set out to accomplish without friends. And that's psychology and habit wisdom. Anything from AA to just New Year's resolution wisdom would suggest you need other people in your life. Whether you're running a marathon or just doing push ups in the backyard, we tend to not push ourselves until somebody is watching and then we entirely change when somebody is watching. There's actually fascinating studies on this, too, about how much eating habits or how you talk or how you perform just changes when you're aware that somebody is watching. And that's all suggests that we don't really have the integrity we think we have with ourselves... That is the gospel lived out relationally and I don't think we can understand the Gospel of Jesus for us until we practice it like that. I mean, we can receive it, again, we could be saved by it, but our call to live in Christian life, to imitate the gospel in all aspects of life is also a call to friendship and to imitate it in friendship." * 19:21 - "I want every dad who's listening to consider this, the most important factor in your discipleship to Jesus right now is how you use technology. Almost certainly that will be true for your children. That is a hypothesis. I could say for certainty that the most important factor in your children's mental health will be how they use technology, how you raise them to do it. There is no more like single thing that is impacting our spirituality, our physicality, our emotional and mental health more than technology right now."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * The Hang 10 Movement * The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley * Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley * Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley * Subscribe to Justin’s Newsletter * 253 | Reframing Your Parenting with New Habits (Justin Earley) * 339 | DA+3 Group Guide: Justin Whitmel Earley

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Justin Whitmel Earley is back with creative fatherhood tips, powerful daily rituals, and his top five habits for dads. From writing yearly letters to your kids to starting every day with Scripture, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead your family with love and intentionality.

Key Takeaways * You are a citizen of Heaven. * Write a yearly letter to your child on their birthday that you can give to them when they’re older. * Your primary responsibility is to lead your family with confidence in God's love and sovereignty over your lives. * Read Scripture before you look at your phone each morning. * Taking care of your body is a spiritual task.

Justin Whitmel Earley Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author, and speaker from Richmond, Virginia. His books include The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, Made for People, and more. Justin is married to Lauren and has four sons: Whit, Asher, Coulter, and Shep.

Key Quotes * 4:33 - "The most significant thing about my time in China was making me realize that I was more of a citizen of heaven than of America because it was the first time that I lived in exile anywhere. Being a minority, so to speak, it really shaped the way that I interact with America, I think in a great way. It made me understand that I'm a citizen of the Kingdom first. I think often about trying to give my kids that experience at some point. I don't know that's something that you can teach alone. I think you can talk to your kids a lot about your country, patriotism, how to do it well, how it can go too far, why you need it in the first place. But I always want to give them that experience. That is something I will long to teach my children and long for them to experience." * 21:26 - "One of the most important flips in my life has been what I call scripture before phone as a daily ritual. There's an incredibly formative flip to say, I'm not going to start in the inbox or in social media or in the news, which are all sort of answering some kind of question of what's going on today. What do I need to do today? Which is a very unhealthy way to start your day. Because we have a God shaped hole in our heart. And we're constantly wondering over and over, particularly at the beginning of the day, who am I today and who do I need to become today in order to be loved or lovable? If we start with those things in our face, a lot of times we think that's what we need to do. We need to accomplish this or that at work to feel good about our day. So starting in Scripture, it's been an incredibly formative habit to say that I am loved, thus I can go out and return love to the world."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word “Dad” to (651) 370-8618 * The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley * Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley * Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley * Subscribe to Justin’s Newsletter * 253 | Reframing Your Parenting with New Habits (Justin Earley) * 339 | DA+3 Group Guide: Justin Whitmel Earley

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It's time to wake up to the wonder all around you! Tune in as Mark Batterson shares simple ideas to shock your system and spark your curiosity. From prayer walks to outdoor adventures, you’ll discover new ways to connect with God. Plus, Mark recounts his favorite wisdom from four thought leaders to help you go all-in as a dad.

Key Takeaways * Childlike wonder and pure delight are sacred, holy things. * Change of Pace + Change of Place = Change of Perspective * Nature acts as an antidote to narcissism. * There are no ordinary days. * You have never not experienced a miracle!

Mark Batterson Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 24 books. Mark is married to Lora, and they have three children.

Key Quotes * 19:02 - "[Abraham] is in his tent. God says, Go outside, look up and count the stars. One second he's inside the tent, next second, he's outside. What's the big deal? Well, as long as he's inside the tent, he's staring at an eight foot ceiling. The second he steps outside, the sky's the limit. God is always trying to take us on field trips and take us outside. If you lose touch with nature, you lose touch with nature's God. So, I do think that all truth is God's truth, that God has revealed Himself through his creation, Romans 1:20... One of my formulas is change of pace + change a place = change of perspective. Great leaders are good at mixing up their routine and finding ways to think new thoughts. And sometimes that requires a different place or a different pace." * 32:04 - "When we hear the word miracle, we tend to think of anomaly, epiphany, exception to the rule, things that defy laws of nature or defy a doctor's diagnosis. And I've experienced those kinds of miracles. But I think this book is about waking up to the everyday miracle. Right now, 37 sextillion chemical reactions happening in the human body. And I didn't flip a switch this morning. I'm guessing you didn't either. We didn't have to do a blame thing. In Him, we live and move and have our being... So people who say I've never experienced a miracle, with all due respect, you have never not, in fact, you are one."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson * Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson * The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson * Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson * The Lion Chaser’s Manifesto * Praying Circles Around the Lives of Your Children by Mark Batterson

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God didn’t call you to play it safe; He called you to take risks. In today’s episode, Chuck Ramsey will challenge you to shift your mindset and parent with a long-term vision. He’ll inspire you to take bold steps and speak God’s truth over your kids to help them reach their destiny.

Key Takeaways * Just like the architects and artisans who design cathedrals they will never see, your work as a parent will impact countless generations. * Fatherhood is at the core of the universe. * Living on the edge is your kingdom calling. * Your words are like a hammer. Will they destroy your kids' hearts or be so constructive that it releases them into their God-ordained destiny?

Chuck Ramsey Chuck Ramsey has been the lead pastor of Restoration Church since 2017. He and his wife, Candace, have seven children and five grandchildren. In his free time, Chuck loves long-distance running, snow skiing, and competitive basketball.

Key Quotes * 22:06 - "A father's mouth is the pharmacy for his family. A father's words can heal his wife, can build her up, can release things in his sons and daughters. Jesus taught out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. When a man says what God says over his children, that's a supernatural dimension that families, kids can enter into." * 49:58 - "Jeremiah 9, God says, My word is like a hammer. Then He says, And I've broken your heart with my word. What God's saying I needed to tear down your heart so I can rebuild it. I've talked to men, make sure you understand, your words are like a hammer too. You can destroy, be destructive and crush your kids hearts or you can use those hammers, that word, and it can be so constructive. You can say things over your children that will release them into their destiny. I believe God's a powerful almighty God and He can deliver kids from all kinds of dysfunction. But if a dad will get on the same page with God, a dad can almost single handedly determine whether their child reaches their destiny or not. Now, can God repair a broken adult? Yes. But man, a healthy child that becomes a functional, healthy adult, the sky's the limit. And dads are the key there.

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Make a Tax-Deductible Gift * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As the year wraps up, we’ve pulled together the Top 10 DadAwesome Discoveries to help you grow as an intentional, empowered father. This rapid-fire list includes books, boot camps, breath prayers, and more! Tune in, take notes, and get inspired to level up your fatherhood journey.

Key Takeaways * Practice simple breath prayers to refocus on God’s presence, and train your children to do the same. * Invest time in a fatherhood booklet or online course to gain practical skills and powerful insights. * Get out of your comfort zone with a fitness group, father-daughter trip, or transformational weekend adventure. * Use thought-provoking books to spark meaningful conversations with your kids about perseverance, compassion, and faith.

Jeff Zaugg Jeff Zaugg is the founder of DadAwesome and Fathers for the Fatherless, two ministries that resource and rally dads through engaging podcasts and 100-mile bike rides. Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for eighteen years and are parents to four daughters.

Key Quotes * 1:52 - "Just last week I took about 30 minutes and flipped through the photos in my phone and just went through, prayerfully saying, God, would You remind me of things that I'm grateful for from this last year? I have a Google doc over a hundred specific things that I wrote down that I'm thankful from this past year. If you brought in the time horizon of any circumstance, gratitude will bubble up. I'm positive that if we as dads look back at the whole year and say, where did God show up? Where was there breakthrough? Where were there learnings? Where were there moments of saying, oh my goodness, I'm thankful that I get to be a dad. Broaden the time horizon and you will stir up gratitude and then you can bring that gratitude to your kids. Let's stir up gratitude as we end the year 2024."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Breath Prayers Reel | Justin Whitmel Earley * 40 Breath Prayers to Help You Connect with God Anytime, Anywhere * You Have What It Takes: What Every Father Needs to Know Paperback by John Eldredge * First Bloom Father Daughter Adventure * Raising Resilient Daughters * Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * PURSUIT Fitness * Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink * Wild at Heart Events Near You * BraveCo Fathers Edition Testimony Book * Little Pilgrim's Progress * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Send me the DadAwesome December 2024 Vision Mailing * Make a Tax-Deductible Gift

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Ben Bevis joins today’s episode with practical tips for helping your kids embrace their God-given identity, gifts, and vision. He’ll inspire you to make more memories with your own dad and identify committed mentors for your children. Don’t miss Ben’s insights on healing generational wounds, modeling adventure, and strengthening your relationship with your kids.

Key Takeaways * Take advantage of opportunities to adventure with your own father while you can. * Intentional fatherhood begins with mending wounds and healing resentment. * Help your kids discover their God-given identity, gifts, and vision. * You can’t launch your kids alone; surround them with committed mentors to speak into their life. * Keep adventuring, both on your own and as a family.

Ben Bevis Ben Bevis is passionate about helping the Next Generation to live out their faith in Jesus. He is the founder and Executive Director of Encircled. He is leading a movement to get Mentor Circles (Dads included) around young people across the globe. He loves being active in the outdoors and lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with his “fabulous” wife and three “amazing” teenage children.

Key Quotes * 22:55 - "When we're grounded in our identity in Christ, we can live more freely as fathers and as husbands and as brothers and sisters. And then as we think about our kids being bombarded by so many different voices at school, in the community, on their devices. We used to always tell our kids before they'd go on the bus, remember, you're a child of the risen King." * 29:00 - "The more we can help young people to really think of a vision and goals and then apply that to make an impact in God's kingdom, it's this beautiful process in discovery because you never know what God might be up to in our kids lives. That has been meaningful for me, God, what have You put me on this earth to do? That's what I'm doing with Encircled is the pointed vision for what God put on my heart. I want to model that to my kids and be curious with them about what what God might be up to in their future."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Send me the DadAwesome December 2024 Vision Mailing * Make a Tax-Deductible Gift * FREE Encircled Parenting Resources * Become an Encircled Guide [for your child or one that you know] * Access Encircled Resources * Access the Encircled Personal Journey App * Partner with Encircled

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Roy Harley loves surfing and Christian ministry, but he’s learned the importance of putting his family first, even when it seems unreasonable. In this conversation, Roy shares practical ways he’s created meaningful connections with his kids. He also opens up about navigating the uncharted teen years with his kids and looking to God as the ultimate example of fatherhood.

Key Takeaways * Your family comes before your ministry. * The pathways you lay in your child’s first 11 years are the most crucial. * Train up your child in the way God has designed for them to go, and then allow that to flourish. * Your Christian faith must be your center of gravity, not a distant satellite. * Bring your full heart to every season of parenting, leaning on God and your community when you don’t know the roadmap.

Roy Harley Roy Harley is the International Director of Christian Surfers. He was the pioneering national director of CS South Africa and has been in full-time ministry for over 30 years. Roy is married to Sharon with daughter Cailyn and son Nathan.

Key Quotes * 20:58 - " I love that phrase, the way you put the phrase, because I won't back down. There might be times when you need to soften. Once recently, I had to say to my daughter, She's 21 now, baby, I'm sorry because I stepped in and was your dad. I went all dad on the situation. I didn't acknowledge that you're an adult and I should have come to you because it was your choice, when I'd just went in guns blazing because I thought someone was going to hurt you, so I just didn't back down. Recognizing that probably the wisdom would have been to not back down, but in not backing down, in this situation, would have been something different. In this situation, would have been I have got your back, I'm behind you. But you're the adult, you need to take the step." * 42:31 - "We all have to evaluate ourselves. The most practical thing on a daily basis I'd say is Jesus is too big to be a satellite in our world. He is way too big. We can't have Christianity as this thing that we have in the top right or left hand corner or orbiting whatever else we're doing. The simple fact of the way that God, our Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit works is He realigns everything around His gravity."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Get 20% off the entire DadAwesome Store with code THANKSGIVING2024 * 10 Questions with Roy Harley — Christian Surfers * Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You by John Eldredge * The World Needs A Father by Cassie Carstens * Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff * The Surfers Bible * Christian Surfers YouVersion Bible Plans

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In the second half of this conversation, Aaron McHugh dives deeper into how to become the dad you want to be with practical, bite-sized steps. Aaron also shares his poem “Tent-Bound,” a beautiful reflection on navigating uncertainty and embracing new horizons.

Key Takeaways * Take the first step toward becoming the type of person you want to be. * Would things have been different if someone had told you what your life would hold? * It’s normal to feel that the end is out of sight—and not like it. * Engage in the here and now, even though it’s a hard place to be.

Aaron McHugh Aaron McHugh is a writer, podcaster, adventurer, author, and global leadership coach. He hosts the fast-growing podcast “Work Life Play,” leads Reboot Your Life experiential weekends, and has been married to his wife, Leith, for over 26 years.

Key Quotes Tent-Bound No one told me it would come to this— Tent-bound with a full life of songs and heartbreak. Just outside the zipper door, thunder’s convincing accusation: Am I beyond the reach of love?

I’ve been lost for a while, tiptoeing in someone else’s boots. The trail undefined, the end remaining out of sight, knowing only from here to there.

Cresting midlife’s great divide, an inventory I take. The path that led to here— a dress rehearsal, a preamble— only now am I equipped for the liminal edges of this frontier.

Adjusting my bearing, dressed in alpenglow, the new horizon awaits my arrival, calling down sweet reverence to be the lamp unto my feet. When will I know the weight of my glory?

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Aaron McHugh’s Website * Work Life Play Podcast * Tent-Bound: A Poem About Midlife and New Horizons by Aaron McHugh * Fire Your Boss: Discover Work You Love Without Quitting Your Job by Aaron McHugh

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Fatherhood isn’t about choosing between quantity and quality time with your kids. For Aaron McHugh, it’s about being present in your child’s life for the long haul. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflection, Aaron shows how rest, curiosity, and allowing God to shape you can create the meaningful life experiences you want as a man and father.

Key Takeaways * Prioritizing curiosity, wonder, and exploration in your daily life can transform your overall experience. * Kids care more about a long follow-through than any short-term bursts of heroism. * On a scale of 1-10, most of life’s moments fall between a 5 and a 6.2, but you can be intentional to create more 10s. * If your life experience isn’t what you want, you have to allow God to renovate you from the inside out.

Aaron McHugh Aaron McHugh is a writer, podcaster, adventurer, author, and global leadership coach. He hosts the fast-growing podcast “Work Life Play,” leads Reboot Your Life experiential weekends, and has been married to his wife, Leith, for over 26 years.

Key Quotes * 20:50 - "Those investments, the kindness or the choices or Friday mornings getting pancakes together, when he was in a carseat, dropping him off in grade school. So that's really encouraging. So I would offer that as encouragement to you Dad's in the middle of it now, in the thick of it now, is it really does matter and it really does somehow, someway does find a home in them. And to me, it's kind of like the Book of Proverbs. It's in, in real time that wisdom and insight and love does indeed matter. " * 26:59 - "Becoming a person who values connection over accomplishment. Now, I still wrestle with all these things. They're just kind of hard wired in my, the way I learn to make life work from the beginning. At the same time, I believe all of us are a work in progress and under renovation and there's a lot of hope to have around that. Summer is where I would start, is start less on the externals and start more on the internals."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Aaron McHugh’s Website * Work Life Play Podcast * Tent-Bound: A Poem About Midlife and New Horizons by Aaron McHugh * Fire Your Boss: Discover Work You Love Without Quitting Your Job by Aaron McHugh

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In this episode, award-winning actor and speaker Cameron Arnett shares his story of choosing Jesus over Hollywood and how that decision shaped his future. Tune in to discover key principles for staying strong in your faith, doing “Satan checks” when your marriage is under attack, and trusting God to fulfill His promises.

Key Takeaways * It is through faith and patience that you inherit the promises of God. * Do a “Satan Check” when you feel attacks on your marriage. * Put Christ over everything you think is your sustaining power, including your career. * Make the Bible and the Holy Spirit your foundation for being a man, a husband, and a father. * Ground Zero is about knowing who you are based on what the King has said about you.

Cameron Arnett Cameron Arnett is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and speaker. He’s well known for his appearances in Miami Vice, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and films including the Kendrick Brothers’ The Forge. Cameron has been married to his wife, BJ, for nearly three decades.

Key Quotes * 12:50 - "The thing for dads to understand is that you don't lose your footing. You don't lose your validity, your power, your strength by being playful. As a matter of fact, if you have that as your foundation, the time when you have to be a disciplinarian, the time that you have to lay down the law, whatever it may be, it's wrapped around the Abba side. The jump into your lap side, the knowing that regardless of the correction that needs to be made, it's made behind and surrounded with a love that is caressing." * 37:11 - "Christ Over Career is calling the Church back to the Lord, and keeping him at the helm of every decision. That's our mantra, that's our mission, our purpose, our everything, is to reintroduce the Church to the King. And then ground zero begins, unraveling happens. If you remain and allow Him to continue to unravel through life, He begins to put [it back] together. And when He puts together, he does it fast. As long as you don't make new decisions, that puts you ten steps back."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Christ Over Career * Cameron Arnett * A Good Man: A Child’s “I coulda, woulda, shoulda!” Story by Cameron Arnett

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In the second half of this conversation, Vince Miller shares a vulnerable Prodigal Son story that demonstrates the gracious love of God. He'll also challenge you to pray the hardest prayer you'll ever pray to experience real change. Tune in for timely insights on discipleship, leadership, and embracing your identity as a son of God.

Key Takeaways * The Bible is a story about men. * It's not about being the hero dad; it's about being a child of the Dad who is the hero of the story. * If you really want change in your life, you have to pray the hardest prayer of your life: "God, do whatever you want to change me." * When you follow the Lord well as a son, you can lead other people into the same following.

Vince Miller Vince Miller is a passionate speaker, prolific author, and dedicated mentor to men. As the founder of Resolute, he exists to disciple and develop men to lead. Vince has three grown children and one grandchild.

Key Quotes * 15:19 - "The reality is that you're going to leave this life with only three titles, disciple, father, husband. That's it. We spend all this time and energy working on all these other titles in our life, and these are the only three you're going to die with. And if we can come to terms with that and become the very best disciple, father and husband we can be, we learn how to do that by being a child of the Father of all mankind. And if we can live in that role and that identity, it makes everything else easier and better, and then we it relieves us of the responsibility to try to be the perfect dad, perfect husband, hero dad, hero, father. It doesn't matter anymore because we follow One who is the hero of the story and we're just a child of Him pointing everyone else to the same Father that we follow. So that's my hope for books like this, especially this one right here that you're talking about today." * 18:25 - "Men want you to pray for a change in their life, but they don't often want to be change. In other words, of all these prayer requests I've gotten, I can count on maybe 1 or 2 hands today, how many men have written me saying it is me who needs to be changed, not their circumstances? And that's what I think men fail to understand, is we need identity. We need old identity, a whole fail identity transformation. In other words, when Jesus said, Come follow me, what He was saying is actually come follow Me and leave everything else behind. And we just don't like that. We want our circumstances to change, not us to change. And that's unfortunate because Jesus wants us to change, not our circumstances."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Manhood, Courage & Adventure (episode 031 w/ Vince Miller) * Resolute * Essential Elements: Forging Godly Men by Vince Miller * The Vince Miller Show

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Six months ago, Vince Miller became a first-time grandfather. He joins today’s episode to share personal insights around multigenerational thinking, assuming the role of patriarch, and the power of being physically, mentally, and emotionally available to your kids.

Key Takeaways * You can be given a title—like father or grandfather—without assuming the role. * Proverbs is predominantly about a father passing on wisdom to a son. * A 30-second conversation can change the trajectory of someone’s life. * Fathers need to be present, available, and engaged.

Vince Miller Vince Miller is a passionate speaker, prolific author, and dedicated mentor to men. As the founder of Resolute, he exists to disciple and develop men to lead. Vince has three grown children and one grandchild.

Key Quotes * 16:15 - "I went from a dad who really didn't want to spend time with me to a dad who did want to spend time with me. And he happened to be a Christian and who imparted basic, basic things to me that I needed as a young man and basic lessons like how to treat women, how to eat a meal, how to be polite, how to confront difficulty. And the very, very important things like who is Jesus? What has He done for you? How to have a relationship with Him." * 29:31 - "I've also learned a valuable lesson, just about presence. Just about being there when they need you, and that means not being somewhere else. It means not being somewhere else. It means you're physically not somewhere else and that your mind is not somewhere else. I think sometimes for dads, that's a hard mechanism to turn off in our minds because there's plenty of dads who are present but not available. But we need to be both present and available at the same time and engaged."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Manhood, Courage & Adventure (episode 031 w/ Vince Miller) * Resolute * Essential Elements: Forging Godly Men by Vince Miller * The Vince Miller Show

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Being a dad doesn’t stop when your kids grow up. As Reverend Elmo Winters shares in this episode, your kids constantly watch what you do, so the example you set will shape their future. Tune in to hear an important conversation about intentionality, racial reconciliation, and kingdom-focused living.

Key Takeaways * Set a good example for your kids by walking out what you talk about. * Everyone needs someone in their life to call out and draw out what they can’t see in themselves. * Be open-minded, quick to listen, and slow to speak—regardless of another person’s race or culture. * Most fathers around the world want the same thing: to provide, to give advice, to be respected, and to be a good leader. * Never put ministry or the church above your family.

Elmo Winters Reverend Elmo Winters, MBA, has served in ministry for over 43 years, including his current role as Executive Director of the KINGDOM Group International, Inc. He travels the world, training and speaking to churches, ministries, and men’s groups on unity and reconciliation issues. Reverend Winters is married to Therese Winters. They have three sons, two daughters, and nine grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 17:44 - "I've learned to be quick, quick, quick to listen and slow to speak. Regardless of who you are encountering, regardless of what culture they're from, I believe we can learn from others. We can learn a lot from other people. I love cultures. I love different people. It's important that when we speak that we need to understand that our words have power. The Word of God says that we have in our tongue the power of life and death. So when we speak before young men, ladies in our families, your daughters, you ought to be speaking life, speaking positively. Let them see that."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome * Kingdom Group International, Inc. * Growing by Going: A New Approach to Being an Effective Witness by Elmo Winters * Building the Bridge Podcast

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As a licensed professional counselor and dad of three, Chris Bruno is acutely aware of how childhood trauma can impact your fatherhood approach. In this conversation, Chris describes the importance of processing your experiences with others, finding healing from the past, and becoming deeply rooted in brotherhood as you raise your kids.

Key Takeaways * You became the man you are today because of the guidance or lack thereof from the men who came before you. * Exploring your own story means confronting the areas you’ve walled off within yourself and processing your experiences with others. * We are the best fathers when we have brothers alongside us. * Trauma continues to pass through generations until someone has the courage to feel it.

Chris Bruno Chris Bruno is an author, licensed professional counselor, founder of ReStory, and CEO of Restoration Project. He is passionate about the intersection of transformation and adventure. Chris and his wife, Beth, have three young adult children.

Key Quotes * "We are the best father when we have our best brothers with us. We need those guys. Those are guys in my life and we need our brothers. And also we need someone else who's on the outside who's got some training, is a professional in some ways to come along side to create a safe space for a child to unfold." * "We are heaps of undigested experience. When you have indigestion, there's something unwell about your body. So if there's undigested experience, there's something unwell about your soul and we need someone to come alongside us and to be with us and partner with us and talk through those things with us to digest the experience so that in that moment, we can make meaning in a way that won't be a traumatic meaning. It won't be one of those collapsed vows or walled off moments in life."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Man Maker Project: A Father's Guide to Initiating His Son to Manhood by Chris Bruno * Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage by Chris Bruno * Brotherhood Primer: A Man's Guide To Turning Buddies Into Brothers by Chris Bruno * Restoration Project * ReStory Counseling * Chris Bruno’s TEDx Talk: ReStory: How to Live Your Truest Story * Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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There’s only so much growth you can experience in your normal rhythms of life. That’s why Jeff Ford has pushed his limits to the extreme by summiting the tallest free-standing mountain in the world—three times! In this episode, he shares the powerful faith and fatherhood lessons that he’s learned from doing such physically challenging things with other men.

Key Takeaways * How your children view God is directly dependent upon how they view you. Therefore, reflect His image today. * Doing hard things physically is analogous to the Christian faith because you must count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds. * Create drive-by phrases—quick, pithy reminders of your family’s values. * Don’t wait until a Mount Kilimanjaro experience to find your brotherhood.

Jeff Ford Jeff Ford serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Man Up and Go, a global non-profit organization that mobilizes men to fight for the fatherless as Jesus commands. He also serves in several advisory and advocacy positions and has summited Mount Kilimanjaro three times. Jeff and his wife, Liza, live in Florida with their two children.

Key Quotes * 10:05 - "How your children view God is directly dependent upon how they view you, therefore reflect His image today. I know that my kids are looking at me and their view of God is going to be shaped by the father that they had on earth. Their Heavenly Father, they're going to hear that language in church. How we reflect Jesus, God the Father to our kids is going to have an impact on their view of God, and I believe their sentence of Him." * 22:34 - "This is an opportunity for growth and nothing changed except our mind. Nothing change except for our outlook. And you think we are so caught up in this materialistic world and that we judge things based on what we can see, taste, touch, smell. And yet the Bible says that our battles against, not that stuff, it's against invisible powers of which is the mind. The mind is an invisible thing that somehow integrates with the physical thing called a brain, but comes out in this ethereal, invisible, and that is what actually drives your decisions, is your mind."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Man Up * Man Up Trips * Patros

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Mic flip! Listen as Jeff Zaugg sits down with Kent Evans and Lawson Brown on the Father on Purpose Podcast to discuss his own parenting journey. He shares fresh ideas to help you live an awesome dad life, invest time with your kids, and model joy, faith, and wonder.

Key Takeaways * You’re not being DadAwesome if you’re just pursuing the heart of your wife and kids; being DadAwesome requires brotherhood. * Never wait until you think you’ve “arrived” before you take the initiative to lead. * Help your kids remember God’s provision by prompting them with this phrase: “Look at what God did.” * There’s no better way to spend your time as a dad than by intentionally connecting with your kids. * If you’re a discouraged father, it’s time to throw off weight from the past, receive God’s love, and walk in your sonship.

Jeff Zaugg Jeff Zaugg is the founder of DadAwesome and Fathers for the Fatherless, two ministries that resource and rally dads through engaging podcasts and 100-mile bike rides. Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for eighteen years and are parents to four daughters.

Key Quotes * 23:25 - "We say at DadAwesome, you are not being DadAwesome, if you're just pursuing the heart of your wife and your kids. If it's just about you in the home front, you actually have missed half the mission because it's all shortsighted. If you don't have brothers, if you don't have a few other guys that are after this mission together, you will not make it the distance. You will not be able to hold that arm, hold that strength. It's the only way to be DadAwesome is to do it in brotherhood." * 33:36 - "If we think about the longevity of investment of time, we only have this limited amount of time with our kids before they leave the house. It's tiny, fractional moments versus deep, rich opportunity when they're on the home front. Dads, [spending intentional time with our kids] is just the easiest and best investment with compounding interest than we can ever imagine."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Manhood Journey * Anger-Free Dad * Father on Purpose Podcast * The Forge Movie

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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What does it mean to go beyond shallow community and find real brotherhood? In this episode, Steve Sargent describes how God turned every part of his story—even the messiest parts—into a beautiful symphony. From overcoming addiction to learning to live authentically, Steve shares powerful wisdom for all dads, no matter your past.

Key Takeaways * Avoid getting stuck in a shallow community; don't be afraid to get deep. * Life stories without trauma and chaos are just as significant and victorious as stories with those elements. * If you want an authentic relationship with your kids, you have to pull back the veil and share your story with them. * Foxhole Symphony means that God is making something beautiful out of your mess—mud, bullets, and shrapnel included.

Steve Sargent As a pure adrenaline junkie, facilitator, speaker, and entrepreneur, Steve Sargent spent most of his life chasing the next high, even in ministry roles. As such, God has shown him how to use this gift and calling to help people and organizations become the best version of themselves. Steve and his wife, Christina, have two children.

Key Quotes * 5:14 - "These guys [from the 12 step program] loved on me. They showed me and modeled authentic community. They discipled me. They gave me a job. They said, here's some work. Here are the stipulations, you're going to a 12 step meeting every day. You're coming to a Bible study every night, church twice on Sunday. And that was the beginning. That was the beginning when I got to understand what God intended with community and discipleship. And I've just been on fire for it and hungry for it ever since." * 34:46 - "It's God making beautiful music out of our mess. That's the symphony. There's men coming together in the foxhole. There's shrapnel, there's bullets flying, there's mud, it's messy, it's dirty, it's scary. There's all this adrenaline and emotion and we've got each other's backs and God just makes something beautiful out of it. He takes it all and wraps it up and there's just this beautiful symphony that results from the offering, the willingness and the offering to offer that mess to God. He'll use it all, but we've got to offer it to Him. Otherwise it's just our mess that we hold on to in isolation, in darkness, just gripping on to it. But when we offer it to the Lord, He makes beauty from ashes."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Foxhole Symphony Podcast * Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage by Chris Bruno * Marked Men For Christ * Apply to join the Fall 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Jim Barnard is known as The Suffering Guy. In this heartfelt episode, Jim shares the pivotal moments of his life story, including countless crises and miracles he’s experienced along the way. His story offers hope for others walking through challenging times, and he’ll encourage you to look to the source of all comfort as you try to make sense of reality.

Key Takeaways * The gap between reality and what we hope for is full of disappointment, dissatisfaction, and distress. * You’re never alone in your suffering; the God of Comfort is always with you. * Your story is your greatest gift because it helps others know that their hard stories can become ones of flourishing, too. * God isn’t going to send you in a new direction empty-handed.

Jim Barnard Jim Barnard is a pastor and the founder of tiller coaching. He offers coaching without barriers to those who are suffering the reality of the expectation gap. Jim has encountered suffering firsthand as he has navigated his wife’s rare chronic illness, but he continues to pursue joy and celebration as his story unfolds.

Key Quotes * 3:27 - "As we'll get into my story, there's just been a lot of suffering, a lot of what I call expectation gaps. You know, we all have hopes and expectations for career, for marriage, for parenting, for life. And often reality comes in underneath that. And that gap between reality and what we hope for is full of disappointment and dissatisfaction and distress. And I hate that. Like I've experienced copious amounts of, you know, expectation gaps. And every single time I'm stuck in the gap, there's an invitation to take myself too seriously, you know, like, woe is me, this is awful. I hate it. Like I'm I want to cope, you know, whatever. And I just I love Richard Foster's book, The Celebration of Discipline. Like that has been kind of a cornerstone book in my life. Where he says at the end that celebration is the thing that can save us from taking ourselves too seriously. [00:04:32][64.9] * 33:41 - "[My story] is the story that God's given me and I've got to use it. I hope people listening to this are reflecting about their own story. I hear so many people say, I don't have that good of a story or I don't like my story. I don't want to share it. I don't think it's optional, honestly. Authenticity is required of the Christian walk, so in using my story I've been able to help people. "

Links from Today’s Conversation * Tiller Coaching * The suffering guy. by Jim Barnard * MADE ALIVE by Jim Barnard * The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster * Hope Heals * Apply to join the Fall 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more

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What does it mean to stay nimble as a father? In today’s episode, Corey Peters offers his perspective and will push you to break out of your comfort zone to make a difference for your community. Plus, you’ll discover one simple question that can transform your relationship with your kids.

Key Takeaways * Ask your kids, “What kind of dad do you want me to be?” * Celebrate a lot; coach a little. * Listen to God’s nudge to move beyond your own comfort and bring comfort to others. * Basketballs are a love language spoken by all children. * A simple way to get started is to go to a gas station in a rough area and just pray.

Corey Peters Corey Peters is a coach, teacher, and father of two living in Iowa. He is passionate about helping to build better men who step up for their wives, children, and community in the name of Jesus. Corey and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 25 years.

Key Quotes * 34:27 - "You've got to know that you're forgiven and that Jesus is a loving Father, that loves you at your worst and that He's there for your worst and He's picking you up, not kicking you out." * 35:48 - So, loving the wife, I would say is the first. Just being real. Telling your kids you don't know. Being truthful with them. Try not to mold them into something they aren't. Trying to push your image to who they are, but trying to pull out what God says they are. Coach them up. Love them up."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Fall 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Somebody Died For You * DA+3 Group Guides (2024 Summer Series) * 333 | Betting on Yourself, Relearning How to Parent, and Doing Hard Things (Bryan Byrd: Part 1) * 334 | Heroic Consistency, Getting Hungry for God, and Being a Safe Container for Grief (Bryan Byrd: Part 2)

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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With a background in the aerospace industry, Santosh Swamidass can list plenty of ways that fatherhood is just like rocket science. In this conversation, Santosh illustrates the importance of launching your kids with the right targets in mind. With tools and systems shared in this episode, you can raise your kids to love Christ, discover their purpose, and impact the world around them.

Key Takeaways * The trajectory you set for your kids before they launch has a lifelong effect and, if you do it well, an eternal impact. * Find force multipliers like tools, guides, and systems to help your kids grow spiritually with less effort and better results. * To avoid forgetting 90% of what you learn each week, you just need a few short bursts of repetition to retain more of what matters. * Each week as a family, memorize one verse, pray for others two times, have three spiritual conversations of substance, and read the Bible four times. * Commit to a steady drip infusion of wisdom through your kid's childhood so it can have a compounding effect.

Santosh Swamidoss Santosh Swamidass is a pastor, architect of Project Based Discipleship, and Founder of the Launching Ground and Launch Network. He spent 10 years working in the aerospace industry and has over 25 years of ministry experience. Santosh and his wife, Christy, are enjoying the adventure and learnings of discipling their 7 kids.

Key Quotes * 13:51 - "Jesus' references this even as the greatest commandment and what we see right after that in Deuteronomy, it's not the priests. It's not the the temple. It's not the tabernacle. It doesn't talk about what we would consider the church and the pastors. It talks about the parents and the home. This is what we're talking about, family discipleship." * 32:57 - "We have a short period of time that will have an effect for the lifetime of our children. The reality is, if we do it well, it has an effect on eternity. In all the things that I invest my life in, there are there are very few that are going to last beyond my lifetime. My children, by the grace of God and their legacy is one of those things, and how they pass their faith on is going to be a lot of it derived from how we as fathers actually pour into our kids. And we know the statistics that the number one indicator for a child's faith in their future, it's actually the father's."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Fall 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Live near Dallas, Texas? Join us for the upcoming Fathers for the Fatherless Spartan Obstacle Course on August 19-20, 2024. * Launching Ground * Family Discipleship Subscription

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Every father needs the right tools to raise his kids well, and Kent Evans likes to use the analogy of a Swiss Army Knife. His main blades include asking thoughtful questions, seeking wisdom from others, and staying rooted in God’s Word. Tune in now to discover why anger isn’t an effective parenting strategy—and what you should do instead.

Key Takeaways * Be curious and seek wisdom from the men you know. * Your boys need to hear you acknowledge your weaknesses and imperfections. * Don’t connect your apology to your child’s behavior. * You don’t need to have a sex talk with your son; you need to have an 8-10 year conversation. * As dads, most of our anger is not righteous anger.

Kent Evans Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. He’s a Christian speaker and author of three books. Kent and his wife, April, have been married for 29 years and have five sons.

Key Quotes * 24:36 - "Odds are, the vast majority of things that make you angry are unbiblical, unwise, and unproductive. Let's go explore those together and see what God's Word has to say about it. Because for me, I have discovered over time that there there is a way to look at life through a far less angry lens and to be able to call my anger out when it happens in a way that's more healthy, albeit sometimes more painful. And I just hope I can get some dads to join me on that that journey. Because frankly, we hear from dads all the time who say their number one struggle is anger." * 32:51 - "Let all, not some, let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Anger is not to be managed. It is not to be controlled per se, although we should have control over our mouth and our spirit. Anger is to be put away. As we look at it, it's a very challenging topic because our culture and our modern era and our access to news that doesn't matter. Proverbs 16, whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he who rules his spirit, then he who takes a city. Do you have governance over your spirit? Can you rule your spirit? Can I rule my spirit or does my spirit rule me? And we just find anger lurking in the shadows so often, almost every day."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Fall 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Manhood Journey * Timothy Keller Books * The Anger Free Dad Course * Father on Purpose Podcast * Kent Evans Books

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Michael Swalley joins this episode to share the unexpected connections between breakdancing and fatherhood. Tune in to hear Michael’s thoughts on the battle against busyness, the power of your wife’s voice, and the value of being known by others. As you embrace your identity as a son of God, you’ll experience the freedom to be the father you are meant to be.

Key Takeaways * Your fatherhood journey might begin with grieving the loss of many things. * There is power in the voice of your wife. * How much of your busyness is motivated by trying to earn an identity God has already given you? * The fundamental truths of God don’t put you in a box; instead, they free you up to express yourself more creatively. * Just like breaking, fatherhood is a communal experience, and attempting it in isolation will affect your performance.

Michael Swalley Michael Swalley is the Executive Director and North American Regional Head of Break Free Ministries, where he works passionately to make disciples in the global Hip-Hop community. Michael and his wife, Ellen, live in Colorado Springs with their three daughters and one son.

Key Quotes * 23:10 - "The identity as a son really frees us up as fathers, to make time with our family. That has been a process for me and very much learning that right now." * 25:36 - "There are some very basic fundamental truths of being a father that we learn from God who has revealed Himself as such. Those truths don't put us in a box. And then as you live into those, those truths, it frees you up to be the dad that God has created you to be. Each one of us, God has gifted us with unique kids, and He knew those kids that we are going to father and He knew that we were uniquely gifted with our lives to be able to father those kids."

Links from Today’s Conversation * BreakFree2024.com * Apply to join the Fall 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * DA+3 Group Guides (2024 Summer Series)

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Kendrick Brothers Productions have created some of the most influential Christian feature films, including WAR ROOM, FIREPROOF, and COURAGEOUS. With their new movie about to hit the box office, Alex and Stephen share what God is teaching them about discipleship, sacrifice, and being forged into stronger men and fathers.

Key Takeaways * God does things for us, with us, in us, and through us—in that order. * Don’t let pride stand in the way of your growth. * Every step you take in obedience to Jesus qualifies you to help someone else take that step. * The fire of a forge strengthens you through heat and pressure. * One man choosing to disciple another creates a multiplication effect that spans generations.

Alex and Stephen Kendrick Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Kendrick Brothers Productions use their passion for storytelling to spread the Gospel and share stories of hope and redemption throughout the world. With Alex as the director and Stephen as the producer, they have co-written nine screenplays and several books. They each have six children and reside in Albany, Georgia, with their families.

Key Quotes * 8:48 - "Part of the chain breaking is you really need Jesus' help to change your own heart and mind. Our dad was in Scripture saying, God, teach me how to be a good dad, I wasn't given that example. I'm kind of driving in the dark here. I don't know what this looks like. As he's reading Scripture and applying that to his life, God, the perfect Father of all, was coming alongside him, helping him to not only love us and provide an example of integrity and truthfulness, but to humble himself and repent and ask for forgiveness when he blew it." * 16:04 - "We're making a movie about discipleship, and we're learning about discipleship at the same time. We're studying the Great Commission. We're studying what it looks like to follow Jesus on a daily basis, and then invite other people to come along with us and say, follow me as I follow Christ. The word disciple means follower, and a disciple of Jesus is a fully devoted, all in follower of Jesus walking with Him. As He takes a step, you take a step, following Him closely. Our daily journey of faith with God is an abiding, intimate, fellowship relationship that as we learn to lean in to the Lord every day and say, Lord, lead me. What happens is when a man surrenders fully to the Lordship of Jesus, the Holy Spirit becomes the hand in the glove of our empty lives, and He enables us to do what we cannot do on our own."

Links from Today’s Conversation * DA+3 Group Guides (2024 Summer Series) * The Forge Movie * Get Tickets for The Forge * Kendrick Brothers Productions * Alex Kendrick - White Chair Film - I Am Second®

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God has given fathers unique duties that they can't pass off to anyone else—not even the Church. In this DA+3 Group Guide, Seth Dahl encourages fathers to step up to the plate in the spiritual formation of their kids. You'll be challenged to avoid false comforts, pay attention to your thoughts, and discover what brings you joy.

Key Takeaways * Children are Arrows: Parents are responsible for shaping children into arrows that can take out the enemy. * Misinterpretation of Thoughts: Discern where your thoughts are coming from. * Avoid False Comforts: Be intentional about where you seek comfort after a hard day. * Ask God for Help: Teach your kids to ask God for help since He is the only one who can guide and help us best. * Awareness of What Makes Me Come Alive: Your self-awareness, wife-awareness, and kid-awareness can bring life to your family.

DA+3 Group Guide Discussion Questions:

1. Seth Dahl uses the analogy of a sporting goods store to explain how some parents shift the responsibility of spiritually sharpening their kids to the Church. Have you fallen into the same trap?
2. Why is it important to view our children as arrows in relation to the Armor of God?
3. What stands out to you in 1 Corinthians 2:16?
4. How do you distinguish between thoughts from God, yourself, and the enemy?
5. After a tough day, what false comforts do you turn to (e.g., sugar, TV, alcohol)?
6. What changes when you turn to the true Comforter instead of false comforts?
7. Have you ever tried to save or rescue your kids, putting yourself in the "God" spot?
8. How do you teach your kids to ask God for help when they face challenges?
9. What are three things that make you feel more alive?
10. Have you discovered what brings joy to your wife and kids?

Seth Dahl With over 15 years of experience working with children and being a children's pastor, Seth Dahl has cultivated a passion for helping parents create a thriving family culture at home. Seth, Lauren, and their three children homestead with a large garden and a handful of animals on a small farm in Texas.

Key Quotes * 3:25 - "If we don't learn to work with our children when it comes to the things of the kingdom, we actually limit our ability to fight, our ability to win, our ability to take dominion, and our ability to extend the kingdom to the earth. [When we do this we] hide our children in the quiver. If we just protect our kids from the big bad world and we don't get them out, we don't let them loose, obviously carefully, obviously focused and aimed and wisely. If we don't get them out they're going to struggle because arrows are not meant to sit in the quiver, arrows are meant to fly and strike the enemy. If we don't get our kids out and let them do that, we're actually preventing them from operating in the God given identity that they've been called to. We're just protecting, protecting, protecting instead of preparing and releasing and aiming." * 7:12 - "Sometimes we have to be introspective and prayerful around where is this thought coming from? Sometimes that thought is a lie from the enemy. Sometimes that thought is just your own thought. Guys, I just want to encourage you to really think into and pray into, what is my thought life? Are my thoughts from heaven or my thoughts destructive thoughts from the accuser? Our thought life matters."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 137 | Spirit-Filled Parenting, Hearing God's Voice, & Shaping our Kids as Arrows (Seth Dahl) * SUMMER SALE in the DadAwesome Store: Get 20% off when you use the code “tanktop”

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Unlock five steps to become a moment-maker dad. In this DA+3 Group Guide, Patei Iyegha will encourage you to slow down, create “sticky moments,” and reflect on your family’s values. Tune in to this bite-sized episode and walk away with practical ideas to become more intentional and present as a dad.

Key Takeaways * Power of Words: Actions speak louder than words. Pay attention to the words you are speaking over your kids. * Slow Down: Slow is pro, so lean into simplicity and creativity. * Technology: Take back 13,000 hours with your kids just by spending two fewer hours a day on your phone. * Sticky Moments: Invest in connection now so you’ll have influence in the future. * Family Values Audit: Your time and money will always reveal your priorities.

DA+3 Group Guide Discussion Questions:

1. Are there any words or phrases your parents said that have stuck with you since childhood?
2. When did you last ask your wife or kids to audit your words?
3. What holds you back from slowing down and embracing simplicity and creativity?
4. Why do you think slowing down is important as a dad?
5. How has your phone/technology use changed over the years?
6. What would you do with an extra 13,000 hours with your kids if you put down the phone for 2 hours a day?
7. When thinking about your own childhood, what “sticky moments” stand out to you (ex. fried egg Fridays, family Bible story time, Christmas light adventures, etc.)?
8. Do you have any existing “sticky moments” that your family regularly looks forward to?
9. If you were to pull up your calendar right now, what percentage of time is spent with your family?
10. What are three ways you can invest time and money to create closeness with your kids?

Patei Iyegha Patei Iyegha is a trauma surgeon who lives in the Twin Cities with his wife Andrea and 8 kids, ranging from 18 to 2. When he’s not working or spending time with family, he’s probably training for or competing in an obstacle course race or other endurance event. If it’s hard, he’s interested!

Key Quotes * 6:31 - "The idea of a glowing device that's in our pocket, that's with us, it's in our cars, it's at the kitchen table, the glowing device. It was only campfire and the sun. You can't even look at the sun. It's too powerful. So it was like looking at a campfire as your one option for something that glows. It's mesmerizing. It draws our attention. Well, the phone is doing that, and it's harming our families. It's harming my family the amount of time I spend on my phone." * 7:48 - "If your kids want to be with you and want to spend more time with you and begging for you, that's just going to give you more influence over their lives. So, when it comes to those harder conversations, when they're pre-teens or teenagers, you've got a lot of investment in there because you've been spending the time, speaking into their lives. They've enjoyed being around you, they trust you, they love you. It just leads to more influence when they get when they get older."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 49 | Adding Action to Being a Moment Maker Dad (Patei Iyegha) * The Power Of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath * SUMMER SALE in the DadAwesome Store: Get 20% off when you use the code “tanktop”

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The way you parent today impacts multiple generations. In this week’s DA+3 Group Guide, you’ll hear Jeremy Pryor’s vision for multi-generational families with a clear identity. Get instant ideas to foster family relationships, train your children for their future roles, and integrate your work into your fatherhood role.

Key Takeaways * Multi-Generational Family: Raise your children to be excellent parents to your grandchildren. Parent with that third generation in mind. * The Need for a Fatherhood Archetype: Scripture provides a blueprint for the ideal father, and it’s not always what today’s culture praises. * Training: Approach fatherhood like a coach, training your children for their future roles rather than just focusing on short-term behavior correction. * Integrate Work and Family Identity: View your work as an extension of your role within your family, not as a separate identity. * Family Friendships: Socialize your children within family and community settings, not just with peers.

DA+3 Group Guide Discussion Questions

1. When you think about your kids becoming parents, what parenting characteristics do you want them to have?
2. What specific actions do you need to take to raise your kids to be great parents to your grandkids?
3. How do you think society views the role of a father in today’s culture?
4. What characteristics of Abraham do you think are most important to emulate as a dad?
5. What shifts do you need to make to train your children for their future roles rather than focusing on short-term behavior corrections?
6. How can you ensure that your family’s values are a central part of your family identity?
7. Have you ever fallen into the trap of viewing your work as a separate identity instead of an extension of your role within your family?
8. Why do you think integrating your work and family identity is important?
9. How can we encourage our children to build strong relationships with their siblings and family members?
10. What are some practical ways to socialize your kids within your family and community—instead of just with peers and friends their own age?

Jeremy Pryor Jeremy Pryor is a business owner, creative entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and builder of multiple movements with family at the core. Jeremy and his wife have five children and reside in a multigenerational home near Cincinnati, Ohio.

Key Quotes * 8:12 - "I've been tracking a trend over the last ten years, and the trend has been to represent the new ideal father as the traditional mother. The traditional mother was very present, very empathetic, right there meeting the needs of kids. This idea of that traditional mother, I began to see that when there have been positive descriptions or symbolic, positive descriptions of the father, he would be that mother." * 11:45 - "Let's think about the level that we're valuing, inter-friendships between siblings and just the strength of that. I just want to challenge and encourage you guys to really pray on, how can we foster deeper friendships between our kids? Regardless of the age gap there can be deeper friendships."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 286 | Parenting for the Third Generation, Building Family Assets, and Championing the Beauty of Fatherhood (Jeremy Pryor: Part 1) * 287 | Creating Intentional Spaces, Carrying the Spirit of Elijah, and Fighting Against the Destruction of Fathers (Jeremy Pryor: Part 2) * Register for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Events in Dallas, Texas * SUMMER SALE in the DadAwesome Store: Get 20% off when you use the code “tanktop”

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Looking for fresh ideas on building better habits, routines, and rhythms with your kids? Tune in to this week’s DA+3 Group Guide featuring Justin Whitmel Earley. From morning huddles to bedtime rituals, you’ll explore ways to transform everyday moments into meaningful connections with your family.

Key Takeaways 1. New Day, New Start: Every day is a new chance to parent differently and experience more of God’s grace. 2. Pause Prayers: Before disciplining or interacting with your kids, take a moment to pray and ask for guidance to approach the situation with love and understanding. 3. Morning Huddles: Start your day with a family huddle where you teach your kids a simple prayer or affirmation. 4. Bedtime Rituals: Create a routine that transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for connection. Don’t be discouraged if it takes several tries to work! 5. Reconciliation Rituals: Don’t just immediately move on after conflict or discipline. Whether it’s a hug, a joke, or a shared Tic Tac, show your kids and spouse you’re still on their side.

DA+3 Group Guide Discussion Questions:

1. Do you ever feel weighed down by past parenting mistakes—whether from a day, week, or year ago?
2. What are some practical ways you show yourself grace and embrace the “New Day, New Start” mindset as a dad?
3. What changes for you when you say a quick prayer before disciplining your kids?
4. How do you find the right balance between discipline and showing grace?
5. What does your current morning routine look like with your family?
6. How can you make your family’s routine more intentional and spiritually focused?
7. Do you have a bedtime ritual that helps you connect spiritually with your children?
8. What is your biggest challenge when trying to establish a new family habit or routine?
9. How do you model reconciliation for your kids?
10. Is there a small, fun gesture you use to reconnect with your kids after conflict, such as sharing a Tic Tac, telling a joke, or giving a hug?

Justin Whitmel Earley Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author, and speaker from Richmond, Virginia. His most recent book, Habits of the Household, was published in 2021. Justin is married to Lauren and has four sons: Whit, Asher, Coulter, and Shep.

Key Quotes * 2:07 - "Every day is a new chance to experience grace from your heavenly Father and step in with your whole heart to being a dad. New day, new start. Do not beat yourself up about yesterday, last week, last month, last year, the last decade of your dad life. Don't play the comparison game and do not disqualify yourself. God has not disqualified you. So let's walk with a lot of grace." * 6:03 - "There's a comical and halting nature to starting any important habit with your family, which is very important to realize. Nothing in the household is normal until it is, you have to practice.

Links from Today’s Conversation * 253 | Reframing Your Parenting with New Habits (Justin Earley) * Habits of the Household * SUMMER SALE in the DadAwesome Store: Get 20% off when you use the code “tanktop”

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In the third installment of the DA+3 series, rediscover timeless advice from Jim Jackson. You'll learn why being "fast, large, and loud" isn't effective and how to make a shift that leads to more connection with your kids. Plus, explore the 10 DA+3 Discussion Questions below to prompt meaningful conversations about legacy, peace, your fatherhood report card, and more.

Key Takeaways * Be Slow, Soft, and Low: Our default as dads is to be fast, large, and loud. Instead, you can create more connection by changing how you approach your kids. * "One-Another" Fatherhood: Look at all the areas in the Bible with "one another" commands and apply those behaviors to your relationship with your children. * Your Child is Not Your Report Card: How your kids behave is not a reflection of your value. * Beyond Understanding: You will never understand everything as a dad. Prayerfully seek God's wisdom, insight, and understanding. * Legacy: Love your wife and kids well.

DA+3 Group Guide Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think us dads default to being fast, large, and loud?
2. How do you practice being "slow, soft, and low" instead of "fast, large, and loud" when interacting with your kids?
3. Scan the infographic of all the "one another" commands in the New Testament. Which one stands out most to you as something you want to practice more?
4. Have you ever patted yourself on the back when your child behaved well?
5. On the other hand, when did you feel like a failure because of something your kid did or didn't do?
6. If you had a real "Dad Report Card," what subjects or things would it measure? (Hint: It should not be directly linked to your kid's behavior.)
7. What does it look like to be okay and remember where your value comes from, even when your children are struggling?
8. Thinking about Philippians 4:7, in what situations or areas of your life do you need to pray for the peace of God, which transcends all understanding?
9. What is the #1 legacy you want to leave as a husband?
10. What is the #1 legacy you want to leave as a father?

Jim Jackson Jim Jackson and his wife, Lynne, are the co-founders of Connected Families, a non-profit ministry that has been bringing reliable, God-centered, research-based parenting resources to all families since 2002.

Key Quotes * 3:22 - "Dads, we're really good at feeling that stress and jumping forward and stepping in and fixing stuff and getting stuff done and getting people to do the stuff that we need them to do. Even if it's just by our posture, we get big and we get loud and we get demanding, and the people around us, we think that it's respect, but oftentimes I fear that it's fear. We think that we're doing something in the name of gaining respect, when in fact we're scaring people into a form of compliance that builds distance in their trust of us, not closeness." * 5:00 - "Obedience is a matter of the heart, not a matter of behavior. When our kids comply, that's not obedience. That's just doing what they're told because they've been told to do it because they're scared of what will happen if they don't. If that's the the mode of operation for us, then our kids grow in fear as we grow in a sense of demanding and being the habit just keeps getting bigger and bigger as the kids get older and older."

Links from Today’s Conversation * The Power of Positive Connection (028 Jim Jackson) * Connected Families * Connected Families Framework * All the “one another” commands in the NT [infographic] * Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart by Jim & Lynne Jackson * SUMMER SALE in the DadAwesome Store: Get 20% off when you use the code “tanktop”

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Gather your DA+3 Group and lean into the wisdom of Dr. Jackson Drumgoole. In this 10-minute episode, you'll encounter brilliant strategies to be an intentional and influential dad. Check out the discussion questions below to prompt meaningful conversations about problem-solving, resilience, hospitality, and more.

Key Takeaways * Be the Loudest Voice in Your Kids' Ears: They can't hear you if you're not fully present. * Encourage Persistence and Resilience: Emphasize the value of sticking with commitments and completing tasks. * Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage exploration and let your kids see you overcome obstacles. * Create a Safe and Welcoming Home Environment: Let your home be a place where your kids can invite other children over to experience fun and safety. * Positive Declarations: Pray bold declarations with your kids and their friends.

Dr. Jackson Drumgoole Dr. Jackson Drumgoole is an inspirational speaker, author, and veteran with a heart for fathers and families. He and his wife, ShDonna, have five children.

Key Quotes * 1:54 - "Be the loudest voice in your kids ears. When they think about, where's wisdom come from? When they think about, where does cheerleading come from? When they think about, where does encouragement come from? Where does helpfulness come from? Where does blessings come from? The loudest voice. The loudest voice should be my voice, as dad." * 5:21 - "Create a safe and welcoming home environment. A home environment where your kids want to bring their friends over. A home environment does not mean huge money and you're always serving all this crazy food and drinks, it doesn't have to be that. But you do have a heart for hospitality. You're encouraging and fostering, our house is a house of fun. Our house is a safe place. We celebrate and encourage our kids to bring their friends over to our place."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 298 | Dialing In, Leading with Love, and Being the Loudest Voice in Your Child’s Ears (Dr. Jackson Drumgoole) * SUMMER SALE in the DadAwesome Store: Get 20% off when you use the code “tanktop”

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In this DA+3 Group Guide, you'll find key points and discussion questions to spark meaningful conversations with other dads. Explore insights on unplugging from technology, checking in with Jesus, expressing emotions physically, sharing Jesus stories, and more.

Key Takeaways * Check-in with Jesus: Pray about decisions, journal the voice of God, and pay attention to frustration flare-ups. * Get Outside: Take a break from technology and spend time in nature. * Read Ephesians 3:14-19: Pray that God would bring a word or phrase to you as you read these verses. * Get a Baseball Bat and a Plastic Trash Can: Physically get out the heavy stuff. * Share Jesus Stories: Tell others when God has shown up for you.

John Eldredge John Eldredge is an author, counselor, teacher, and the president of Wild at Heart. He and his wife, Stasi, have three sons and are proud grandparents. John loves all things beauty, nature, adventure, and more.

Key Quotes * 5:45 - "Another resource, is a book, A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser. I've spoken about this book before around grief, but he has a metaphor of when there's something that flares up, a frustration flare up, or a heaviness, where is this coming from? He would say press into it further versus run away from it. So, instead of chasing the sunset, the sun is setting to the west. Instead of trying to stay in the sun, press into the darkness, is what his metaphor is. Press into the darkness, the areas of hurt, of heaviness, of frustration. Let's actually explore those a little bit with Jesus." * 9:45 - "Palm trees roots intertangle with other palm trees roots to keep them from blowing over in a storm. They'll bend all the way over to the ground in a storm, but they won't actually snap off or die because their roots are entangled with each other. Maybe that's a promise for you guys, is as we grow brotherhood and grow friendships with other men, as we become DadAwesome by creating a community of men who are together, being that dad for their families but for each other, encouraging each other, praying for each other, holding each other accountable, that we could be rooted and established in God's love, rooted in community and in God's love."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 299 | Escaping Sedation, Meeting Jesus in Your Pain, and Sharing Fresh Jesus Stories (John Eldredge) * Aro Box * A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss by Jerry L. Sittser * 304 | Pursuing Visions, Journaling Daily, and Hearing God’s Prophetic Voice (Ken Helser) * 30 Days to Resilient in the One Minute Pause App

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Intention is meaningless without action. This year, be the man who steps up to create a DA+3 group. It’s as simple as getting three dads to join you. Extend invitations, build friendships, and keep going when it’s tough. Your family’s future depends on it.

Key Takeaways * Isolation is deadly. * Show me your group, and I’ll show you your family’s future. * 17 Ideas of Groups to Start. * 6 Benefits of Being the Dad Who Goes First. * 4 Steps to Take Initiative.

Jeff Zaugg Jeff Zaugg is a loving husband, intentional dad, and passionate advocate for the fatherless. With experience in nonprofit leadership and pastoring, Jeff founded DadAwesome in 2018 and Fathers for the Fatherless shortly thereafter. Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 17 years and are parents to four daughters, ages 3 through 10.

Key Quotes * 13:08 - "Why should we step into being the activator, being the spark, being the guy who rallies and gathers other dads? Isolation is deadly. We know this, it's so true. When we're alone, we're vulnerable. Second, dads without friendships will at some point cause deep pain to their kids. The pain of isolation and a dad being a dad that doesn't have friends looking out for them, encouraging them, challenging them to grow. You will pass on pain to your kids." * 16:51 - "You're going to move into a simple goal, I call it DadAwesome +3, DA+3. This is how easy it is, your goal is just to get three dads, three dads to join you. It might take inviting nine to get three to show up. Guys, it takes invite, invite, invite. DA+3 is a simple goal, but it takes inviting. It takes initiative. If you want to gather guys together, you've got to be the one who goes first. You've got to send the message, you got to decide, and then you've got to go after the simple goal of DA+3. Be a dad who gathers three other dads."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * free video series >> FOUR-PART FRAMEWORK FOR FATHERHOOD

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Dads were never meant to take on fatherhood alone. In fact, Bryan Byrd argues that isolation is against God's will for your life. Instead, you'll need to connect with others and get hungry for the Holy Spirit. In this episode, Bryan offers encouragement to help you get started.

Key Takeaways * Connection is God's will. * Loneliness is a dangerous toxin. * Healing happens when you have a safe place to take your grief. * Get hungry for the Holy Spirit.

Bryan Byrd Bryan Byrd is a husband and father to two sons from Boise, Idaho. He is passionate about equipping men to do hard things. He co-founded Wild Courage and continues to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Key Quotes * 8:55 - "I can get promoted. I can advance, and I can do it in a way that's humble. I got guys who are going to call me off the shelf, if I'm out of line. If I'm out of God's will, they're going to say, Bryan, are you doing this too much? What's going on? Are you treating your wife right? Are things good at home? There's instant accountability with all the things that are right. If you're not in a fire, a group, I would just ask, how long can you go before burnout? Before failure? I read this other day, loneliness is way more a toxin than fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, opioids. Loneliness is more dangerous than opioids. I'd ask the listeners, it's probably way more important than you think. If you're saying, oh, I'll do that sometime. Today matters." * 25:48 - "When I can look at you and receive you and your pain and hear you, I say you're worthy. When I, as a sharer of my pain, feel that I'm worthy, I have hope. I'm not alone. I'm with people that care. I'm seen. And I can find hope. Jesus, would you come into this pain? Would you take a risk on me? Because these guys just did. There must be hope for me. You go from sharing grief and despair and not having hope and not being seen and being isolated to seen and loved. That can be as simple as a group. It can be simple as silence. It can be as simple as a head nod. It's probably not talking very much. It might be a little validation. It's probably not giving a sermon. It's probably not five points of advice, how to fix your problem. Don't fix. It's probably not being the the alpha in the room telling people how you solve the world's problems. Letting it sit, now a container is you get 3 or 4 guys that can do that well and practice."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Save the Date for the DadAwesome Day Zoom Call: Monday, June 17 at 7pm CT * Iron Bison Training * Iron Bison Training Podcast * WILDSONS Podcast | Receiving the Father's Love and Masculine Initiation with Bryan Byrd * Foxhole Symphony - Wild Courage: Vulnerability and Victory in the Quest for Authentic Manhood

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Everyone has a story to tell, and every story matters. In the first half of our conversation, Bryan Byrd describes the role of a troubadour. He emphasizes the value of prioritizing heart-to-heart connections, loving yourself the way God loves you, and being flexible about your approach to fatherhood.

Key Takeaways * We’re all troubadours with a story to tell that matters. * Heart-to-heart connections with your kids are the true sign of parenting success. * Love yourself enough to do what you say, bet on yourself, and hold yourself accountable. * Get instant feedback from your kids by asking, “How are you experiencing me?” * Don’t be afraid to relearn some things.

Bryan Byrd Bryan Byrd is a husband and father to two sons from Boise, Idaho. He is passionate about equipping men to do hard things. He co-founded Wild Courage and continues to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Key Quotes * 11:55 - "I'm still going to choose heart to heart connection, regardless of my reputation. Regardless of my accomplishment or the image that people think I should have, I'm still getting their back, getting in the ditch if I need to get in the ditch, getting on a platform if I need to get on a platform. Wherever it takes, I'm going to show up and be present and be the father where I need to be. Sometimes I'm going to make mistakes along the way, and I'm going to ask for forgiveness and break some glass. That's success. Course correcting along the way right now." * 27:00 - "We have sinned and we've been forgiven. He bets on us and He resides in us. There's a two edged coin there that we're the ransom one, so let's get with it. When you bet on yourself, you bet that you're valuable enough that you're going to come through with your word. You're going to do what you say. Bet on yourself, believe that you can do what you want to do, what you're set out for, what you're called from the Lord. Even though all of these people out in the world are going to say there's not enough time. You're too tall, you're too short, you're too fat, you're too skinny, they're going to come up with all kinds of excuses because they want to justify themselves. Bet on yourself is a line with God. Let's pause for a minute. Let that settle on our hearts. What God really says about you."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Save the Date for the DadAwesome Day Zoom Call: Monday, June 17 at 7pm CT * Iron Bison Training * Iron Bison Training Podcast * WILDSONS Podcast | Receiving the Father's Love and Masculine Initiation with Bryan Byrd * Foxhole Symphony - Wild Courage: Vulnerability and Victory in the Quest for Authentic Manhood

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Combat veteran Ben Peterson joins us to discuss the glaring challenges in America's individualistic society, especially for people who have experienced the tight-knit military community. He offers practical advice to help you find your tribe, embrace your purpose, and be vulnerable about the struggles you're facing.

Key Takeaways * Our souls and psyches thrive when we are part of a tribe. * The transition from tribe culture to individualistic culture is an extreme challenge for veterans. * We are in a war for the souls of men. * The strongest men are the ones who are willing to be honest about their shortcomings and struggles.

Ben Peterson Ben Peterson is a Jesus Follower, husband, father, and combat veteran. In 2016, Ben founded Engage Your Destiny, a nonprofit ministry that exists to engage with the military, veterans, and their families to lead them into their destiny. Ben and his wife, Rachel, live in Tennessee with their son.

Key Quotes * 27:29 - "Where's my 10,000 souls? I just think it's so important to live with that mindset. It doesn't have to be a fear based mindset, but this is the reality of the kingdom, and there is heaven and hell, and there are realities to us being disobedient, and there is free will and there's consequences for that. That's part of kind of the military coming out, because if you don't do your job, people die. And that's the same thing in the kingdom. There's a reason that Paul used the reference of the soldiers so much because we are in a war for the for the souls of men." * 31:18 - "We can lean into some of those woundings, from a sense of humility and being honest that, you know what, I'm never going to be perfect until Christ comes back or until I go home. And in Him, I'm a new creature. And that gives me such a sense of peace and satisfaction, that my wounds are okay. It's okay to be vulnerable."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Save the Date for the DadAwesome Day Zoom Call: Monday, June 17 at 7pm CT * Engage Your Destiny: Practical Ways To Run After Your God-Given Purpose by Ben Peterson * The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian * Engage Your Destiny * The Engage Your Destiny Podcast * EP30: Power of a Praying Spouse: Part 1 (Engage Your Destiny Podcast)

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Jon Tyson is back for the third time! In this episode, he uncovers the seven lies that hold men back from becoming fully alive. You'll discover the strategies Satan uses to keep you distracted and passive, and you'll be inspired to embrace your current season and ask curious questions for the sake of others.

Key Takeaways * Satan wants us dumb, entertained, oversatiated, and unmotivated. * You must fight against despair, loneliness, shame, lust, ambition, futility, and apathy. * If you ask curious questions about the needs around you, you never know what you'll get swept into. * What things do you need to harvest and enjoy right now before they rot and are gone?

Jon Tyson Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon Tyson is a pastor and author based in New York City. He is the author of "Fighting Shadows" and the bestselling books "The Intentional Father" and "Beautiful Resistance." Jon has been married to Christy for twenty-five years and has two adult children.

Key Quotes * 10:40 - "I always tell people, my vision is intentionality, it's not perfection. No one is perfect. In fact, the perfect fathers are often the ones that damaged their kids through such high expectations. It's just do your best, live in love, be honest with your struggles and get help. Rely on the community of men to help raise your kids. Ancient societies were not primarily just father-son societies. They were the community of men playing a vital role. It was the tribe that helped formed men, not just this psychotic pressure on an individual father." * 19:23 - "I know everybody tells you this, be careful when you kill time, it has no resurrection. You can waste time. You can kill time. Waste time. Use time. Invest time. Redeem time. Or leverage time. And a lot of God, that's Ephesians 5, make the most of the time. That's not the word kross is the word kairos, which means you were in a season right now, that must be leveraged that you will never get again. It's not the same in every season. So I'm not advocating a kind of guilt where every, like, if every spare moment should be in prayer. That's, that's death. That's the law. I'm advocating, I'm advocating an awareness of your season. The things that need to be harvested now or they rot. Or seed now, or you missed the window to sow. Or enjoyed now or it's gone. How do you really figure what that is in that season and leverage it? Make the most because the days are evil. So yeah, it's about really trying to leverage the season more than anything else. First you got to know what it is, but when you know what it is going to be aware and go after it."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * 147 | Jon Tyson on Intentional Fatherhood & Creating the Primal Path * 187 | Jon Tyson on Skillful Manhood, Capturing First Moments & The Intentional Father * Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive by Jon Tyson and Jefferson Bethke * The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character by Jon Tyson * Primal Path: A Discipleship Program for Fathers & Sons * Awaken Network Podcast * Sign up for Jon’s Newsletter

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In the second half of this conversation, Danny Silk shares the seven “dragons,” or fears, that all men must slay. From confronting self-doubt to navigating competition among other men, Danny explores what holds most men back and how you can take immediate action. Plus, you’ll discover the importance of community and brotherhood in your journey to becoming a dragon slayer.

Key Takeaways * Every man must confront these seven fears: God, himself, women, men, nature, machine, and provision. * If you don't set your heart to serve your wife, you will set your heart to conquer her and be the winner. * Men bond through doing and adventure and through risk. * Your role as a man is to think ahead and bring benefit to everyone you’re leading. * Fatherlessness comes from the breakdown of brotherhood.

Danny Silk Danny Silk is a renowned speaker and prolific author who draws on decades of experience as a counselor, social worker, husband, parent, grandparent, and more. He is the President and Co-Founder of Loving on Purpose, a ministry to families and communities worldwide.

Key Quotes * 14:49 - "Quit putting it off because you don't want to feel stupid. You already look stupid. So go do something about it. Be the man. There's that end of it as well. And then there's, in the middle of it, which is get out there and take some risks. Get out there and learn some new skills, find some guys that love to work on that stuff and learn from them." * 18:14 - "You really are looking down the road and you're leading, so people are following that. And in that is your responsibility to bring benefit to everybody on the journey with you. That's your role as a man, is to think ahead and to build benefit for for your family, for your legacy. I'm thinking generationally, I'm not just thinking momentarily. I'm not living paycheck to paycheck. I'm living generation to generation. So, then as a provider, you had better open up your clarity of where you're headed and who's going to be benefiting for you ever being on this planet."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * The Way of the Dragon Slayer by Danny Silk * Dragon Slayers Podcast

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In this eye-opening episode, Danny Silk discusses the seven key traits that make up the creed of manhood. You’ll be inspired to rise above cultural influences and become a dragon slayer instead of a destroyer. Ultimately, you’ll discover how to use your strength to protect, display Christ, and lead boldly.

Key Takeaways * You can either slay your dragons or become a destroyer. * It is your job to set the standard of love in your home, marriage, and community. * Men need to carry responsibilities to activate the strength they were designed with. * Fools want to be the master of their own universe, but wise men love correction and feedback.

Danny Silk Danny Silk is a renowned speaker and prolific author who draws on decades of experience as a counselor, social worker, husband, parent, grandparent, and more. He is the President and Co-Founder of Loving on Purpose, a ministry to families and communities worldwide.

Key Quotes * 6:28 - "You have to have something inside of you that both weights you down to the bottom so you can get some traction and strong enough to turn and face that bad boy. But what happens is, once you get enough people opposing and moving in synergy, in the opposite direction, you actually can bring that strong current to a stop and then reverse the current. [That's] the Kingdom. It's an upside down world. That's what I really want to call our generation to, let's be the generation that faced this ugly lie, chase it down, band together and create a different tomorrow for our boys." * 14:24 - "It's absolutely essential that men understand that your primary job and really the only job that you have is control yourself. Control freaks, control your freaking self. You never control other people. And when we turn love into control, we misrepresent our Father. God is Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom, not control. If anybody is going to be a control freak, it could be God and he's a freedom freak."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Get a discount at the DadAwesome Store with Code: MOMAWESOME * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * The Way of the Dragon Slayer by Danny Silk

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Stephen Mansfield joins us in this episode to ignite your warrior mindset. As a man of God, you have a responsibility to prepare intentionally in every aspect of life, from your marriage to parenting and beyond. Stephen shares powerful examples of rituals, accountability, and prayers that can shape your life and future generations with purpose.

Key Takeaways * Warriors use every moment to prepare for impending battles, and strong men must do the same. * If you're going to achieve the greatness you're made for, stop being passive in the face of your surrounding culture and get intentional. * Righteous men are meant to think about the impact they'll have on the next generation. * Manhood is transferred during rituals, where you affirm a man in that milestone moment and speak of what's coming.

Stephen Mansfield Stephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and popular speaker committed to serving vital social causes. He and his wife, Beverly, split their time between Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.

Key Quotes * 7:42 - "Warriors are intentional. They know there's battles coming. They are fighting for others. They're fighting battles of love for nation, for family, for righteous causes. And they are preparing themselves. And that makes them tougher, makes them more sacrificial, makes them more visionary, makes them live every moment in terms of, they're in the moment, but also in terms of what's coming." * 18:12 - "I think every day is a gift. I think we live every day out as another day of our destiny. And the kissing of the spouse and the sitting quietly and the sipping of a glass of wine, the walk and the time reading a book and those peaceful, quiet, measured things, are just as important in building a legacy, as are the big dramatic, 500 year things. We men are naturally given to vision. What we have to do is be given to the moment more. That takes more intentionality on most of our lives."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Get 20% off the DadAwesome Store with Code: MOMAWESOME * Apply to join the Summer 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Men on Fire by Stephen Mansfield * Stephen Mansfield’s Podcast

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Kyle Wester joins us to unpack the science of your kid’s brain—from birth to adulthood. You’ll discover how connection shapes their emotional development and why sincere apologies pave the way for deeper intimacy in your relationship.

Key Takeaways * Your anger says more about you than your kids. * The brain has three key developmental stages: brainstem, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex. * To move out of the limbic system, you need connection. * Have high expectations while offering high support. * Emotion-focused parenting is an inside-out model that reflects what God does with us.

Kyle Wester Kyle Wester is a licensed professional counselor and Parenting Coach who has been working with children for over 20 years. Kyle and his wife, Sarah, are founders of Parenting Legacy and host The Art of Raising Humans podcast. They have been married for 22 years and have three children.

Key Quotes * 6:28 - "Success for us, when I look at my kids and I know that we are doing it well, that we are succeeding as parents, is when I see the fruit of the spirit easily pouring out of their daily life. What's neat is when you tie that in to the brain science, all of us as human beings, when we are at our best and we are really able to show up, be seen, bring more light to a dark place, it's when we're in the prefrontal cortex. And what's interesting about the prefrontal cortex is I can only get there when I feel safe and loved." * 9:31 - "I have super high expectations on my kids. I really believe that every place they are is going to be better because they are there. And if for some reason that isn't happening and I'm noticing that, then me and my wife are wondering what is the supports my kid needed in that moment to be able to really shine the way God intended them to in that moment?" * 26:02 - "This shows us how God has wired us and why the Christian disciplines are so effective, is because when we pray, when we meditate, when we worship, when we do these exercises that have been known throughout church history to be healthy and effective for us, we're answering these questions. We're connecting to somebody outside of us, who's whispering to us, you are safe. You are loved. And then once you get to the prefrontal cortex, the question is, what can I learn? You're basically saying, how can we do this together? How can we change this situation? I just picture God coming with an open hand and us coming with a closed hand, and He stays calm with us. He comforts us until our hand opens up. And then our hands can come together and we can really solve that problem together."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Get 15% off the DadAwesome Store During the Mother’s Day Sale * Parenting Legacy Counseling & Coaching * Email Kyle Wester at kyle@artofraisinghumans.com * The Art of Raising Humans Podcast * The Aro Podcast * 257 | When you Change Your Relationship with the Phone, You Change Your Relationship with Everyone Around You, Including Yourself (Joey Odom) * Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson * Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas * Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman * No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel * Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel * The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel * Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen * The Opposite of Worry by Lawrence Cohen

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In John 10:10, Jesus says that He came so we may have life to the full. This verse guides Tim Lukei’s work as a men's pastor and non-profit leader. Listen in as Tim lists practical tips for building a vibrant men's community. Plus, he describes why adventure matters for your heart, marriage, and family.

Key Takeaways * If you're following Jesus and it feels boring, you're not doing it right. * A multi-generational team will create a multi-generational ministry. * Adventuring as men often opens us up to do life together authentically. * Don't just be a dad who was there; be a dad who was intentional and present.

Tim Lukei Tim Lukei is the Men's Pastor of Mariners Church in Irvine, California. He also runs Maverick River Collective, which equips churches to establish sustainable, transformational men's ministries. Tim and his wife, Korrie, have been married since 2006 and have three children.

Key Quotes * 6:29 - "Adventuring together creates connection moments and moments of, this is so awesome we got to experience this together. That is adventure as it pertains to man's ministry and family and parenting. The best way I know to how to connect with my kids is going on an adventure. And that doesn't always mean hopping on a plane, going to Hawaii or wherever else. It could be like, hey, we're going on a bike ride and I'll take you to this rad new playground. It's going to be amazing. That could be an adventure. And it doesn't cost necessarily anything. My kids beg me to to go on bike rides and it costs nothing." * 16:18 - "Do the self processing and figuring out, for me it was immediately, I recognized, I am burnout. I'm exhausted. No matter what you should already have had people in your place that you're reaching out in to go, hey, I'm not okay. Have you recognized it? And then begin the processing on what does it look like to become whole again? To get soul rest, to take some time, if you can, to figure out, is there areas where I need a coach or a therapist? One of the things that I try to do as a men's pastor is normalize therapy for men all freaking day. It's not something you do when you're in crisis. It's something that you do constant. Guys, we don't do that well. We don't process, talk through our hardship, difficulty or past. We don't, that's not our natural gear, for at least most guys. Maybe you have some meaningful conversations with people who speak truth into your life, but whether it's painful or not, you need to have that. Definitely figure out what things are the reasons, How did you get here, and don't just throw Band-Aids at something."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Get 15% off the DadAwesome Store During the Mother’s Day Sale (use code: MOMAWESOME) * Maverick River Collective * Conversations in the Wild Podcast * Men of Mariners — Mariners Church * Play the Man by Mark Batterson * Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson * Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder * Resilient by John Eldredge

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In this episode, Dean Deguara reflects on how he identified his children's purpose through prayer and prophecy. He details the practical ways he and his wife raised their kids to be resilient and bold, from bedtime prayers to meaningful car ride conversations and more.

Key Takeaways * God will give you clues about your kid's purpose. * The small deposits of time add up. * Be just as competitive about your kid's purpose as their performance. * Teach your children how to make good choices on their own.

Dean Deguara Dean Deguara is the lead pastor of Real Life Church in Sacramento, California. He and his wife, Amy, have been married for 30 years and have two adult children.

Key Quotes * 16:56 - "We were a family on mission. And so wherever we went, we tried to be the same people we were in public, that we were in private. And then just allowing our influence to be who we are." * 26:16 - "One of the biggest things I like to encourage is teach your children how to make good choices on their own. As they're growing up, I think a lot of times we wait for these big transitional moments for our kids to make these [big decisions], where there's just a lot of pressure. Now [they] have to make a decision, where you're going to go to college and we didn't give them and we didn't allow them to make any choices until those biggest choices in life. We just started in the safety of our home and the safety of our family, just giving our kids opportunities to make big decisions."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Get 15% off the DadAwesome Store During the Mother’s Day Sale * Detours: The Unpredictable Path to Your Destiny by Tony Evans * Real Life Church

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One day, your child will transition into a young adult. Fathers play an essential role in recognizing those moments through ceremony and celebration. In the second half of this conversation, Michael Warren explores how dads can support their children by welcoming them into a larger community and fostering a sense of belonging.

Key Takeaways * Don't talk about it; be about it. * Present your son to a community of men and vocalize why he belongs there. * Create milestone moments for all of your children. * Make the courageous call to the person you think would be willing to meet with you to talk about being a dad.

Michael Warren Michael Warren is a dad of four who is passionate about equipping fathers to lead their sons into REAL masculinity. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where he facilitates the Alaska Knights program at ChangePoint.

Key Quotes * 4:31 - "When it comes to my daughter, it's been a little extra work. I've had to learn a lot about her heart, a lot about how God has made her, it's been a little slower for me, and I've had to run some experiments and try things out. What's caused me to not give up and all that's complex and, quite frankly, confusing to me sometimes, about pursuing the heart of preteen, early teen daughter has been this, I'm going to reject passivity and expect the greater reward by stepping in and creating some milestones for her, too." * 20:26 - "If there's something that you want, what responsibility comes with the burden? What responsibility comes with a heightened sense of urgency? And that's not to shame, guilt, pressure, it's not about that. If this is on your heart, I would say just move with it. Find another person and just take the next step. Our God is a God of next steps, practical next steps. Because what kind of a God would He be if He showed us the entire landscape and made us feel overwhelmed and discouraged? That's not His character. "

Links from Today’s Conversation * DadAwesome Activation Events * Host an Event in Your Area: Contact Us * Alaska Knights: Raising a Modern Day Knight * Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Michael Warren is passionate about equipping fathers and mentors to guide young boys into manhood. His goal is to facilitate adventure moments that give sons an answer to the question, “When did I become a man?” In part one of this conversation, Michael describes how dads can define and model the timeless principles of manhood to their kids.

Key Takeaways * Fathers must communicate a clear definition of manhood. * Middle school is a strategic time to start calling boys up and out of the home—away from distractions like video games—and into learning led by dad. * A REAL man Rejects passivity, Expects God’s greater rewards, Accepts responsibility, and Leads courageously. * REAL men have a work to do, a will to obey, a woman to love, and a world to serve.

Michael Warren Michael Warren is a dad of four who is passionate about equipping fathers to lead their sons into REAL masculinity. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where he facilitates the Alaska Knights program at ChangePoint.

Key Quotes * 17:38 - "The longevity that we've enjoyed has been tied to the fact that it's really transforming men's hearts and their families and the definition of manhood and the context that we teach, where that definition plays out are really transferable and in every season." * 20:54 - "A real man, R-E-A-L, R, rejects passivity. A man rejects passivity. E, expects God's greater reward. A, accepts responsibility, and L, leads courageously. So, rejects passivity, expects God's greater reward, accepts responsibility, leads courageously. Expect God's greater reward, what does that mean? Well, that means delayed gratification. That is a principle that every man needs to entertain and think about. I'm going to make sacrifice now, but I know what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. I've got energy, I've got time, I have my purity. I have these things that are God given that once I spend them, I don't get them back. Those are the main principles, this R-E-A-L. What's important to mention is that we call them the four W's. The four W's are the contexts where you can directly apply the R-E-A-L. So the four W's arem a man has a work to do, a will to obey, a woman to love and a world to serve."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Spring 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Group: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis * 215 | Creating Ceremonies, Building Life-Changing Committed Friendships & Raising Modern Day Knights (Robert Lewis)

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Ian Smith joins us in this episode with passionate ideas to help dads enjoy fatherhood more. He shares his habits of looking for adventure in the challenge, asking hard questions, and taking ownership of mistakes. His energetic spirit will help you reframe your perspective on parenting so you can show up with renewed purpose.

Key Takeaways * You can enjoy fatherhood more when you view it as an adventure and a good challenge. * Get big enough on the inside to own it when something’s not great. * Nothing brings more stability and security to a family than a dad who submits to the authority of the Heavenly Father. * Get out of the ditch of passivity by taking action. * Build up your kids and reinforce their identity through positive language.

Ian Smith Ian Smith is an entrepreneur, former pastor, coach, and mentor living in Winnipeg, Canada. He has been married to his wife for 25 years and has six children. Ian is passionate about helping others go from feeling frustrated and apathetic in their faith to seeing real, lasting change in their lives.

Key Quotes * 24:11 "There's all of this stuff that we go through and situations and fears we have, it's natural. But we can learn to cope with them in such bad ways or we can numb ourselves. We can get complacent. We can Netflix ourselves, drink ourselves, sports ourselves, work ourselves, tax ourselves out of it all. [Instead] of actually dealing with it and never dealing with it. And all that's going to do is continue to hurt us, which then is gonna hurt our family." * 35:50 - "[Telling myself] I'm going to make a change and get on the path, and you'll find you'll walk out of that thing really quickly with accountability and a little bit of a vision about where you want to go. That's a really important piece too, is if you don't like the life you have, start envisioning the one you want and let that burn on the inside of you. You'll be amazed that when you have the what you want start to settle in your heart, the how is going to make itself known to."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Spring 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Group: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Hero Collective * Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship: Your Destiny Awaits You by Jack Frost

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Our conversation with Jeremy Morris continues as he shares insight on healing unprocessed pain, rebuilding relationships, and cultivating peace. Jeremy's healing journey wasn't quick or easy, but through his experiences, you'll see God's faithfulness in restoring his family.

Key Takeaways * Time doesn't heal all wounds, but God can. * The thing that you're doing to anesthetize the pain isn't the problem; the pain is the problem. * Don’t give your family the leftovers of you. * Walk with your children through enough adversity that they’re prepared for it when they leave the nest. * Without peace, nothing matters.

Jeremy Morris Jeremy Morris is a husband and father of four living in Boise, Idaho. He co-founded Wild Courage, a ministry that equips men to tell the stories born in the redemption of lives and souls. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys coaching football, camping with his family, and managing his ranch.

Key Quotes * 12:37 - "The thing that you're doing for the pain, isn't the problem. Let's go back into your story and find that unprocessed pain that sometimes is so subconscious we don't even know. I also want to say this, pain is the same. Just because you don't have my story, doesn't mean that your pain is less than mine. The pain is relative and your story matters. Going into your story and inviting God into that messy place that you never thought you could ever talk about and going to the source of that pain and finding out why." * 23:11 - "It's just having the scary hard talks and helping [your children] navigate emotions. Speaking to their heart and not their actions. Now, that doesn't mean there's no discipline and consequences for actions, but it's not the first thing we go to. We go after their heart level of why did you show up this way? What's going on inside of your heart? Dealing with it in a heart issue instead of what was modeled to us of, like, discipline, discipline, discipline. Shame, shame, shame. Creating a safe environment. We don't want our kids to experience trauma. We're good with some adversity because we want to walk with them through it. I've learned to get really good at cleaning up my messes and finding humility in the times where I blew it. Humility just always wins. It always wins."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Spring 2024 DadAwesome Accelerator Group: Email awesome@dadawesome.org to learn more * Wild Courage * The Wild Courage Podcast

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Shame holds back many men from sharing their stories of redemption. Jeremy Morris once felt this. But he learned that the key to unlocking healing is to have the courage to be seen. In this episode, Jeremy shares his unfiltered testimony and demonstrates the power of vulnerability and wild courage.

Key Takeaways * Most men would rather go to the moon, climb Mount Everest, survive in the wilderness, or do other crazy things before being vulnerable. * The key to unlocking healing is to have the courage to be seen. * Are you using certain things to stuff down the unprocessed pain that’s trying to crawl up out of your soul? * If God can forgive you, that is enough to carry on.

Jeremy Morris Jeremy Morris is a husband and father of four living in Boise, Idaho. He co-founded Wild Courage, a ministry that equips men to tell the stories born in the redemption of lives and souls. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys coaching football, camping with his family, and managing his ranch.

Key Quotes * 10:07 - "The most healing I've received, in a lot of areas, has been when I've had the courage to be vulnerable enough to share my deep, dark pain with someone and to be received with love back. Which, if you really knew me, there's no way you could like me, let alone love me. The courage part comes from us having the courage to be seen. Which, I think, God wired us to be seen and heard by others that we're in relationship with. Men will go to the moon, we'll climb Mount Everest, we'll jump off crazy things with parachutes, we'll ride bulls, we'll survive in the wilderness. And we would rather do all of those things before being vulnerable. I've just found that it's the key to unlocking healing and to be what we're all created to be, which is to be seen and heard and not judged and loved where we're at in the mess of it all." * 36:23 - "They put me in jail and something in me changed in my prayer. I don't know how to explain it, other than I asked God, from one father to another father, please take this for me. The dad I'm going to be, I can't do this anymore. And He took it. I don't know if it was because I wasn't praying to get out of my circumstances anymore, which I think looking back, my prayers to Him were always to get me out of the mess that I created. But there was something about me pulling on to heaven, as a dad and crying out to a dad that I think was the difference and His perfect timing."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Learn More About the DadAwesome Accelerator Group: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Wild Courage * The Wild Courage Podcast

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Chad Wallen helps teach fatherless young men practical tools that their dad could have taught them if he had been involved in their lives. It’s an active way of fighting against harrowing statistics and intervening in tangible, practical ways. Join us as Chad shares his thoughts on self-care, words of affirmation, and mentoring the next generation.

Key Takeaways * You can’t be a good dad if you’re not a healthy version of yourself. * Don’t make your wife translate your love to your children. * Nationally, 75% of men incarcerated are from a fatherless home. * What does it look like to mentor fatherless young men while providing opportunities to learn new skills, advance their careers, and build confidence?

Chad Wallen Chad Wallen is a loving husband, foster parent, and dad to three girls and a son. He helped start Advance Camp in Oregon because he has such a huge heart for the fatherless. Now, Chad Wallen lives in the Dallas area and directs Advance Camp Texas.

Key Quotes * 7:42 - "That was a hard thing to learn is finding that happy medium between taking care of yourself and finding you as a priority and taking care of your family and finding them as a priority, realizing you can't be 100% dad if you're not 100% you." * 17:52 - "My mom used to tell me all the time your dad loves you. He told me last night that he loves you and he's really proud of you. Well, I don't need my wife translating for me. These words need to come out of my mouth. And it's hard. Sometimes I have to pep talk myself but I know that's my role is to speak my words, not to have my wife speak my words for me. That's one thing I have constantly worked on with myself is making sure my words are my words and my wife is not my translator."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Advance Camp USA * Learn More About the DadAwesome Accelerator Group: Email awesome@dadawesome.org * Top 5 Podcast Moments of 2023 | Year in Review — The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

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For Zack Blair, walking in unconditional love is the foundation of joyful fatherhood. In this episode, he shares personal experiences and practical examples to show why connecting with your kids matters more than trying to be perfect. And ultimately, how it leads to a parenting approach grounded in thankfulness and love.

Key Takeaways * Walking in unconditional love is the source of joy and thankfulness. * How can your children one day remember your heart if you are not intentional to connect with theirs? * Use your hands to express love, not produce pain. * You need other men in your corner—not just for you, but also for your kids.

Zack Blair Zack Blair is an author and the founding pastor of Hill City Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Lauren, have been married for 17 years, have three children, and are foster parents.

Key Quotes * 35:00 - "An apology, it goes so far with [your children]., Hey, dad's imperfect, but he's trying, and he's taking ownership in the areas that that he missed it. I tell my kids, I'm not going to be a perfect father. I'm going to do some things great. You're going to look back and you're going to say, man, that wasn't so great. Whatever we did great, carry it on. But whatever we didn't do great, fix it and keep on getting better." * 39:53 - "When you hold your child and you look at them and you feel the pain of, maybe I didn't receive this or I don't know that I received that unconditional love. In every man where we look back on our life with regret, that's an area that if we dig deep and we we allow the Lord to heal and we open up to the right people, that will change our family's trajectory forever. A lot of guys will get stuck in the normal things that society talks about to distract us, but there's a part of us that's unhealed. If we can focus on that part and with kindness and curiosity, just go there and ask the Lord, Lord, when did I accept this lie? Or when did I develop this belief about myself? Or when did I experience this pain and God where were You in those moments? Even with help through counseling and and pastoral guidance, even when the Lord heals that it'll change everything and you will be set free to be the dad that you really want to be. So go there. Be brave enough to go there."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Learn More About the DadAwesome Accelerator Group * The Father Code: Codes of a Connected Father by Zack Blair * Follow Zack Blair on Instagram * The Father Code YouTube Playlist

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Phil Comer wasn’t raised with a faith background. So when his first son was born, he knew he had to get radically intentional if he was going to raise children who walk with God. In this episode, Phil shares the habits that helped him develop his newfound faith as a young father and launch his grown children into the world with success.

Key Takeaways * Men are designed and commanded to be tenderhearted, kind warriors. * No one can love their wife or be used by God as a father without the Holy Spirit. * Memorized Scripture carries with you through life, enables you to do battle, and brings you joy. * Even if all you do is quietly speak the Scripture out loud for several years, you will memorize it. * It’s not what you say to your kids that instructs them; it’s what they see from you.

Phil Comer Phil Comer is a husband, father, and grandfather with 40 years of pastoral and counseling experience. After planting a church in 2004, Phil and his wife, Diane, went on to launch Intentional Parents International. The ministry focuses on equipping young parents and providing focused teaching in the spiritual training of children.

Key Quotes * 25:57 - "We need to teach this to our kids. We need to model it for our kids, and we need to realize that we need it. When it comes to the memorizing part, we're supposed to meditate on Scripture. Now, I can do that by reading it, but what about when I'm out on a walk and I don't have my Bible on me? Anything I do have, I'm able to bring back up and chew on. That's really what that verse means, that meditating is chewing on something and that's where God comes in." * 38:02 - "You can't be saying one thing and be living another. That will destroy your kids, and it will lead them away from Christ so quickly. If you are modeling a genuine, authentic faith, if you are a passionate Jesus follower, your kids will pick that up because values are caught more than they're taught. We always have to look at our life every day, am I getting more lukewarm? Am I losing my passion or am I growing in my passion? As long as we're the growing side of Christianity and the growing side of Jesus, our kids are going to pick it up."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 160 | Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Phil Comer & Brook Mosser) * Intentional Parents International * A Practical Guide to Memorizing Scripture Together * Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting by Phil & Diane Comer * The Intentional Parents Podcast

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For Jay Vallotton, the turning point in his marriage was learning to connect with his wife through her emotions rather than trying to fix them. Now, Jason urges men to reconsider their approach to emotions, both in marriage and parenting. Tune in as he shares practical advice for repairing mistakes, handling dysregulation in a child, and approaching conversations with the end in mind.

Key Takeaways * To live wholeheartedly means addressing sin, being present, and fulfilling your God-given call instead of allowing fear to shrink you. * Your wife needs to feel seen, known, and heard. * Trust is not built through the absence of mistakes but by how you repair. * The #1 conversation hack is to start with the end in mind. * The right time to instruct and discipline is not when your child is emotionally dysregulated.

Jay Vallotton Jay Vallotton is the founder of BraveCo, a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Bethel Church, and an overseer of the Bethel Transformation Center. He is passionate about helping people discover their God-given identity, find freedom, and walk out their true calling. Jason lives in Redding, California, with his wife, Lauren, and their five kids and daughter-in-law.

Key Quotes * 3:48 - "One of the prayers that David prays is, God, search me, know me, reveal to me what's going on in my life. Which honestly, is such a scary, dangerous prayer. But on the other side, I think that in order to live wholeheartedly we do have to address those areas in our life that aren't whole, that have cracks or have a little bit of brokenness or doubt, and that's a very challenging thing to do. But what that really means is when I come home and my wife confronts me on something and I dismiss her feelings, I'm not living wholeheartedly. When I come home and my kids want to play and I don't want to be present, I'm actually not living wholeheartedly. The practical application of being. The things that you write on your heart, the things that you write on your wrist, the truth, God's truth.. You have to live those out in your day to day life. And there's accountability inside of that." * 17:05 - "Trust is not built through the absence of mistakes. Trust is built by how you clean up a mess. Your wife will trust you because she knows you can have a bad moment, you're going to go away, you're going to process through that in a healthy way and come back and give her what you wish you would've given her in the moment. That's more valuable than being able to nail it every time, because we innately know no one's going to nail it every time. But what we don't know is, I trust that you're going to come back and repair what has been damaged. If you can repair what you are messing up, you're adding so much more value than just trying to get it right, perfectly or expecting yourself to. You're not and your wife's not, more importantly, your whole environment, isn't. So, your kids are going to watch you do this process. Your wife's going to watch you do this process, and they're going to follow in this ecosystem that it's okay to fail. It's not okay to hurt each other but it's okay to fail because we can go back and clean up a mess."

Links from Today’s Conversation * BraveCo * BraveCo Conference 2024 (Redding, California - June 12-14, 2024) * 131 | Winning The War Within (Jason Vallotton) * 145 | Resilience, Servanthood & Showing Up For Others (Jason Vallotton) * Follow Jason on Instagram * Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons Podcast * Make a Donation to DadAwesome * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Events

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Would you show love to a masked gunman who abducted you and your family? For Jamie Winship, the answer was yes. As he shares the details of this frightening experience, Jamie will inspire you to exchange fear for love as you seek God’s true identity for you.

Key Takeaways * Being in your true identity makes you more relational, take risks, and face reality. * The enemy is always in the hypothetical future, but God is in the present. * To identify false identities, ask God, “What are the things I believe about myself that hurt me?” * Your true identity in God will be others-focused, self-emptying, and characterized by unconditional love for your enemies.

Jamie Winship Jamie Winship is known for bringing peaceful solutions to some of the world’s highest conflict areas. His work in law enforcement and education led his family around the world, including South Asia and the Middle East. Jamie and his wife, Donna, are co-founders of Identity Exchange and have three adult sons.

Key Quotes * 11:26 - "When you watch Jesus, Jesus never runs anywhere. He's never in a hurry. He's never freaked out. He not dramatic. He is intense. Like when He throws over the tables, but it's so tactically smart what He's doing, it's so well thought out. He's not just dramatically reacting to drama. So never participate, the enemy loves drama. The enemy loves drama because drama goes out of control. * 15:36 - "You're in constant conflict. Either inside yourself or with people around you. Those are the signs of the false self. It's self-protection. Self-promotion. Separation is a sign of the false self. The false self will always move in separation, never in connection with others. It'll constantly separate out. The soul that sinneth, the soul that separates it will die. It's not about you did a bad thing, God's going to kill you. It's like human beings were made to live in connection with others and God. And when we separate it, it basically destroys us. Those are the symbols, the signs of the false self. But deeper than that, this is the exercise I would suggest is just sit alone with God and just breathe and relax and try and settle down and just say, God, search me right now. And would You help me to be able to say the things that I believe about myself that hurt me? What are the things I believe about myself that hurt me? And and just let them come to your mind."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 314 | Tackling Fear in a War Zone, Modeling Courage, and Embracing Your True Identity (Jamie Winship: Part 1) * Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship * Identity Exchange: Online Courses, Individual Coaching, and More

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Jamie Winship is no stranger to conflict. From working as a police officer to living in international war zones, he learned how to tackle fear with faith—and he modeled it for his children, too. In this episode, Jamie details some of the dangerous situations his family faced as they followed God’s calling. Plus, he’ll inspire you to hang onto joy, even when fear tries to swallow you whole.

Key Takeaways * When living in a high-conflict area—whether a warzone or your home—you have to gamify preparedness with joy instead of fear. * There are times when you may need to pray to be invisible. * If you’re afraid to fail, you won’t be able to model courage in front of other people. * God cannot invite you into greater challenges in the future if your only goal is self-protection and self-promotion. * The greatest gift you can give your kids is the truth of who you are.

Jamie Winship Jamie Winship is known for bringing peaceful solutions to some of the world’s highest conflict areas. His work in law enforcement and education led his family around the world, including South Asia and the Middle East. Jamie and his wife, Donna, are co-founders of Identity Exchange and have three adult sons.

Key Quotes * 20:13 - "Only the fear of falling and loud noises is is innate in us, but all other fear is learned. I want to say to your listeners, what are you afraid of? That's the most important question, what am I afraid of? And this is a daily question. It's not a one off. It's even incident into incident. Why am I afraid right now? Fear is beautiful because it's a warner, it's a flashing warning light. It's an invitation to transformation. It's an invitation to a conversation that leads to transformation. God, why am I afraid right now? What am I afraid of?" * 21:34 - "God wants me to know I can protect you in any situation. Though a thousand fall on my right and 10,000 fall on my left, yet will I stand? God says, I want you to know that I can protect you in this kind of situation. How would I know that? By staying. By staying. Why would you want me to know that? Because in the future are greater challenges than this that I want to invite you into, But I can't invite you into them, if the goal of your life is self-protection and self-promotion. Because that's how fear works. And if your goal is self-protection and self-promotion, it will become the goal of your kids. Let's teach them other than that worldview." * 29:39 - "External conflict produced by internal conflict, produced by fear, produced by false identity. What's the shift? The shift is not in, stop the war, bring financial aid, change religions. None of that stuff has ever worked. It's a transformation of the human heart, which the whole Bible is telling us. And we're looking for some other solution. Spiritual transformation in your own heart. You're living in a false identity. It's a shift into the true identity, which can only be known in Christ. Shift into true identity moves you into courage. It encourages you, which moves you into internal peace, which makes you able to create external peace."

Links from Today’s Conversation * DadAwesome Store * Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship * Identity Exchange: Online Courses, Individual Coaching, and More

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After studying the prayer lives of extraordinary leaders around the world, Ryan Skoogs began to identify patterns. These patterns shifted not only the heart and mind of the leader but also the culture around them—in their home, organization, and beyond. As the leader of your home, you must create a culture of prayer that starts with you. In this episode, Ryan shares the practical steps to do just that.

Key Takeaways * Be willing to “waste time” with God. * To start an intentional prayer life, just walk and talk with the Lord. * Twenty minutes of prayer to Jesus each day for eight weeks will change your brain chemistry in ways that are visible on a brain scan. * Where is prayer a line item in your organization’s (or family’s) budget? * Don’t discount the little opportunities where you can be quick to pray.

Ryan Skoog Ryan Skoog is an entrepreneur, ministry leader, author, world traveler, and adventure dad. He is co-founder and president of VENTURE, a church-planting and community development nonprofit that works in the toughest places of the world, serving war refugees, trafficked people, oppressed children, and the unreached.

Key Quotes * 30:06 - "20 minutes of prayer a day, for eight weeks, will change your brain neurons and chemistry so much that you can tell on a brain scan. There's an agnostic neuroscientist that started just measuring prayer and it had to be prayer to Jesus. It wasn't just meditation and mindfulness, sand is soft, no, it is God is love. God is gracious, that kind of focus and prayer. It can change your brain scan so it fires all the parts that are amazing." * 39:26 - "Don't discount the little moments throughout the day of stopping and acknowledging God. A kid has a test, let's stop and pray. We have a phrase around here, we want to be quick to pray. I think in creating a culture in your family, being quick to pray about little things quickly, oh, hey, let's pray about that. And then taking 20 seconds to pray about it and making that normal in your family, making that normal that we just talked to God throughout the day has just been a really, really helpful culture."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Lead with Prayer: The Spiritual Habits of World-Changing Leaders by Ryan Skoog and others

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In the midst of a chaotic world, fathers need to know how to stay grounded, steady, and wild. Tim Bohlke brings years of wisdom and experience to equip dads to do just that. Through real-life examples and a spirit of encouragement, Tim unveils new ways to embrace joy, balance, and remembrance of what God has done.

Key Takeaways * The cumulative effect of carrying too much weight will break you down. * Avoid isolation by inviting others in, asking for input, and allowing people to be honest with you. * The key to being aware and alert to what God is doing today is remembering what he has done in the past. * Fight for the people, places, and experiences that bring you life.

Tim Bohlke Founder and director of Harbor Ministries, Tim Bohlke has spent three decades investing in leaders and helping forge a new path that will serve leaders, their families, and their organizations well. He is a husband, father, grandfather, author, coach, and more.

Key Quotes * 14:05 - "That is the imagery that people all have strength waiting, as the difference making leaders have figured out that idea of harbor as it connects to mission. And no matter how critical your mission is, you got to have time in a harbor to resource, restore and get yourself ready." * 29:27 - "When we remember what God's done, that's one of the values of quieting down, seeking solitude, is that only then do you take the time and find the time to really process and remember the ways God showed up in our story. That's what brings strength. And that's what brings courage and reminds us God is a God of promises, that He does show up and He will not only then, but going forward as well."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 51 | Father Family Rhythms Part 1 (Tim Bohlke) * 81 | Adjust the Pace, Live w/ SELF-CONTROL & Hear God's Voice (Tim Bohlke) * Stay. Wild. : An Invitation to Pursue God in Fully Disrupted World by Tim Bohlke * Harbor Ministries * SPACE Podcast

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The way you parent stems from how you were parented. That’s why understanding the stories and trauma of your past is essential if you want to provide a secure beginning for your children. In this episode, Dr. Dan Allender offers expert advice to help you own the past, share your stories with others, and find beauty along the parenting journey.

Key Takeaways * A child has a secure beginning if they have attunement, containment, and a parent who can repair ruptures. * The level of failure in parenting is higher than in marriage, friendships, or work. * When you’re triggered, take a 90-second pause to decrease emotional flooding. * There are two great callings in life that you must hold together at the same time: to grow in intimacy and to grow in independence. * Write down your thoughts and then share them with your wife, a group of men, and a story guide, such as a therapist or pastor.

Dr. Dan Allender Dr. Dan Allender is an author, professor, and co-founder of The Allender Center and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. With a unique approach to trauma and abuse therapy, he presents on topics such as sexual abuse recovery, intimacy, marriage, and more. Dan and his wife, Becky, enjoy spending time with their three adult children and their grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 4:58 - "It's really a sweet gift to be able to see our children parent in a way in which they have truly learned from our mistakes, and yet they've also developed their own way of being in the world. Having adult children, one of the realities that dawns on me virtually every year and that is you're never done. Some of the most complicated days are with adult children. And yet our children love us, and yet they are pretty clear and vocal about where they have felt like we have not done well, past and present, and with a deep invitation, with honor and forgiveness, but to grow. That's one of the things I would say it's just such a life giving presence when your children are taking in your life and growing, but when they have the ability to return that, to invite you to grow, that even with younger children has a level of mutuality that often [doesn't] get talked about in the parenting process." * 37:36 - "The reality is, we live in a sinful world and a broken world as already with a proclivity to our own false independence. So, our task, is in some sense, to parent in a way that accentuates the giftedness, while also helping a child name and engage the parts of their own world that don't come as quickly or naturally.

Links from Today’s Conversation * Become a DadAwesome Anchor Partner * The Allender Center Podcast * “Parenting the Parent” — Dr. Dan Allender’s podcast episode featuring his two daughters * Dr. Dan Allender’s Books * StoryWork Conference and Master Class * The Allender Center Upcoming Events and Workshops

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As a rookie dad, Taylor Doolittle has endless encouragement for other dads in his shoes. In this episode, he emphasizes the value of running after God, pursuing your wife, and enjoying every season with your kids. His vivid analogies will inspire you to make intentional choices as a husband, father, and friend to create the life you want to live.

Key Takeaways * Every season with your kids is fleeting, so be gracious with yourself. * Passionately running after Jesus and pursuing your wife will leave a lasting impact on your kids. * Combine multiple activities—such as working out and being with friends—with intentional multitasking that keeps you whole and healthy without taking up too much time. * However difficult you think this is for you as a dad, it’s a thousand times harder for your wife, so suck it up, buttercup. * Your daily decisions are single bricks that create the foundation for your life and family.

Taylor Doolittle Taylor Doolittle is a passionate realtor in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. He and his wife, Sarah, have two daughters.

Key Quotes * 16:16 - "What I should have been focused on and what I still need to be focused on is my relationship with the Lord. That's absolutely number one, because you're not going to be a good leader for your family unless you are modeling yourself after the greatest leader. So that's number one. Number two, is absolutely pursuing your wife with as much passion as you can." * 26:51 - "Not putting pressure on yourself and just realizing that, as a parent, it's less about what you teach and it's more about what you model to your kids. So, pursuing your relationship with the Lord and passionately loving your wife are the two things that you got to do that are going to make a lasting impact on your kids, whether you believe it or not." * 35:15 - "Serve your wife, humble yourself, and don't place any expectations on your kids unless they're holy expectations."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Make an End-of-Year Donation * Contact Taylor Doolittle * Connect with Taylor Doolittle on Instagram

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After spending 13 years climbing the corporate ladder, Kyle Depiesse was burnt out and knew he needed a change. He certainly didn’t have everything figured out, but he took a single step that the Lord used to guide him towards bigger and better experiences than he could have imagined. In this episode, Kyle shares the stories and advice that shaped his life—and his adventurous parenting style.

Key Takeaways * Take one step toward your goals and trust that God will bless your obedience and continue to direct you. * Slow down the fast pace of life with a simple question: “How am I experiencing God right now?” * Spark joy by doing things you’ve never done before as a family. * Society puts professional success on a pedestal, so you must play defense to protect your relationships, health, finances, and more.

Kyle Depiesse Kyle Depiesse is the founder and CEO of Guys Trip, where he organizes adventurous trips and events to help men connect, have fun, and grow. Kyle is married to Lois, and they have one son, Cal.

Key Quotes * 6:41 - "It's really important to honor people in front of other people. Thank people and be grateful for people while they're around. Tomorrow's not guaranteed." * 31:01 - "If you can just take a minute and maybe even have intentional questions to ask yourself, maybe that's the cheat code. Maybe that's the hack, what am I grateful for? How am I experiencing God right now? Just ask yourself some questions and reflect. I don't think we give ourself the gift of reflection and we don't give ourself the gift of solitude enough. And sometimes there's things that just bubble up to the surface And when you pause and you reflect and you're in solitude, you can allow those things that come up to the surface."

Links from Today’s Conversation * DadAwesome Store * Make an End-of-Year Donation * Guys Trip * Kyle Depiesse on Instagram * Tough Mudder — Twin Cities

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As a business owner and father to six, Jordan Stone has plenty of reasons to let busyness consume him. But he’s learned the power of slowing down, being present, and creating room in his agenda for how God wants to use him. With real-life examples and practical tips, Jordan Stone will inspire you to rethink the concepts of legacy, ownership, provision, and more.

Key Takeaways * God may have a calling for your family that extends for multiple generations. * A pioneer goes into uncharted territory and tries to establish something that doesn’t exist yet. * Make room in your schedule to be available for interruptions. * Avoid getting stuck in a singular definition of provision. * Parenting is gardening, not carpentry.

Jordan Stone Jordan Stone and his wife, Elizabeth, live on the Oregon Coast with their six children. After relocating from Cincinnati, they moved into the home Jordan’s grandparents built and lived in for over 40 years before they both passed away. As a family, they own and run multiple businesses together.

Key Quotes * 13:47 - "The reason we start out with [with our family mission each day] is because what we're doing is very difficult. A pioneer is somebody who goes into uncharted territory and tries to establish something that doesn't already exist there. And that's how we see what what we're trying to bring Kingdom wise into this place." * 40:08 - "What really happens, at least in my case, there are so many things that we suppress through busyness. The demons in our life, the baggage in our life, the things that are quite uncomfortable to face. Busyness provides us a very socially acceptable way to never confront those things. When you stop [the busyness] all of it has the opportunity to come to the surface and you don't have any more excuses not to deal with it."

Links from Today’s Conversation * https://dadawesome.org/store * 305 | What an Awesome Ride. What a Wild Opportunity. (Jeff Zaugg)

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As a husband and father, Ben Serpell has been tempted by passivity plenty of times. It was only after confronting certain fears that he was able to begin living with full power. In this episode, he shares practical examples of how to set a high standard of love in your home. Plus, you’ll learn why “winning vs losing” is the wrong mindset and how a learner’s approach will help you extract more wisdom from your parenting journey.

Key Takeaways * When you shift from a “winning vs losing” mindset to “winning vs learning,” you can continue to grow without having to start from the beginning. * Your job as a parent is not to rescue your children from hardship but to sit with them as they learn necessary lessons. * As a man, you should be setting the standard of love in your home through sacrifice. * Passivity is birthed from fear of failure and fear of rejection.

Ben Serpell Ben Serpell moved from Australia to America at the age of 18 and married his wife, Brittney, one year later. They have been married for two decades and have three children. Ben and Brittney both serve on the leadership team at Loving On Purpose, where they provide marriage and family coaching through conferences, online workshops, and more.

Key Quotes * 4:33 - "If it's either winning or losing, then someone's losing and someone's winning. If you talk about an argument, if you talk about connection, if you talk about you and your kids and even you and yourself, which is the biggest one where we need to start, especially as dads. If I'm losing today, then I have to start over. If I'm learning then this is stuff I can use for tomorrow's victory." * 15:33 - "It is hard to watch your child struggle. Oh, it's so hard. But, I think what we do if we're not managing our own insecurity on the inside is we try and rescue our kids from that trouble and then we take away again, well, we're back to the learning. We take away the learning. What the Holy Spirit does is He'll come sit with us and go, Oh, that looks heavy. Wow. What do you think happened? What do you need from me? How can I help? I have a whole slew of resources back here. It's just waiting for you. And it probably starts with peace. Let's get some joy back. Let's get some truth in there. And let's begin to walk together. But I'm going to sit with you and I'm fine if you feel it. I can handle you sitting in your mess for a minute, and I'm going to bring comfort to that person rather than rescue that person."

Links from Today’s Conversation * https://dadawesome.org/store * 305 | What an Awesome Ride. What a Wild Opportunity. (Jeff Zaugg) * Imperfect Parenting: Connection Over Perfection by Brittney Serpell * Loving On Purpose * KYLO University * Life Academy * Loving On Purpose Podcast Network

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Mike Gallagher’s life changed forever when he and his wife adopted a child. Already the parents of three biological children, they stepped out in faith to meet a need that many people try to ignore. Now, Mike shares how every dad can get involved in reaching the 100+ million children globally without a permanent place to call home.

Key Takeaways * Help your children build dependency on Jesus by modeling sacrifice and adventurous faith. * To reverse the orphan crisis, we must focus on reunification when possible and adoption when necessary. * Children who have experienced trauma need true safety as well as felt safety. * If you’re overcommitted, you won’t have the capacity to be there for your children. * Make praying with your children a core aspect of your relationship.

Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher and his wife, Mandy, co-founded The Chosen & Dearly Loved Foundation in 2014. Their campaign, 1MILLIONHOME, focuses on shifting the model of orphan care to prioritize family support and reunification. Mike and Mandy have six children: three biological, one adopted domestically, and two adopted internationally.

Key Quotes * 8:16 - "We really believe the Lord was leading us to do specific things like adopt children or move or start things and they were glorious, but they required a lot of suffering and and a lot of cost. Honestly, we knew there was cost, but we didn't know the full costs going into a lot of these things. In that cost, it costs the children as well. It costs everybody in the family, these are family decisions, and yet that's the bad news. The good and greater news is it forged such a dependance on Jesus and dependance on guidance from the Lord where we were in situations so desperately needing His wisdom, His protection, His confirmed will, that they witnessed that over so long. That was one just key part of it that that they wanted that and needed that themselves. The other thing was, even though we were involved with pressing things, far reaching things, they were always number one. And they knew that." * 12:57 - "[Our children] need to be legitimately safe, welcomed, comforted, supported with whatever they're bringing. And so it's, number one, that sense of felt safety and we can kind of take inventory of how safe are they really with us."

Links from Today’s Conversation * 305 | What an Awesome Ride. What a Wild Opportunity. (Jeff Zaugg) * 1MILLIONHOME Homepage * The Story of 1MILLIONHOME * How 1MILLIONHOME Works * Everyday Church - The Future Is Family Event

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jeff Zaugg shares powerful stories of God’s faithfulness to the DadAwesome community and ministry. From global impact to huge fundraising milestones and everything in between, Jeff focuses on gratitude and remembrance for all God has done in recent years. Plus, he shares the exciting vision for the next phase of DadAwesome.

Key Takeaways * When you lean into remembrance of what God has done, it goes beyond your family to all the world. (Joshua 4) * 10 areas of massive gratitude * Reflecting on 6 years of impact * Entering the next phase of DadAwesome * Your invitation to support DadAwesome in two ways

Jeff Zaugg Jeff Zaugg is a loving husband, intentional dad, and passionate advocate for the fatherless. With experience in nonprofit leadership and pastoring, Jeff founded DadAwesome in 2018 and Fathers for the Fatherless shortly thereafter. Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for seventeen years and are parents to four daughters, ages two through nine.

Key Quotes * 4:47 - "Then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. And when it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be to your people, to the people of Israel, a memorial forever. This is the set up, get the stones you're going to walk, you're experiencing a miracle, but get the stones so that your kids, when they ask, what do these stones mean to you?" * 6:14 - "Our kids are going to ask us, we can answer them, but we can, like the Stones, the moment of giving thanks and remembrance, actually, it went beyond just the Jordan, that God expanded into. And they can remember that God did that same miracle 40 years earlier with the Red Sea. It's not just our kids, but it's all people of the world. So when we as dads live into remembrance and gratitude and telling stories and organizing moments for our kids to to see, look what God has done, it goes beyond our family to all the peoples of the world, that they will see and know that God is mighty and He takes care [of us]."

Links from Today’s Conversation * Trusted Network * Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team * Resource Library * Venture * DadAwesome Store * Make an End-of-Year Donation * Become an Anchor Partner

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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This episode revisits a profound conversation with Ken Helser. He shares timeless fatherhood wisdom about enjoying intimate time with God, making dreams a reality, and raising children who can become your best friends.

Key Takeaways * You’re most blessed when you’re most in need of God. * The enemy’s greatest strategy against you will always be miscommunication. * Focus on raising kids you can become best friends with. * The hardest thing in the Christian life is to let God love you, and the second hardest thing is to be still. * God wants to speak to you more than you even want to listen.

Ken Helser Ken Helser and his wife, Linda, co-lead A Place for the Heart with their son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Melissa Helser. Ken and Linda pour into the hearts of the students who come for the 18 Inch Journey. They are blessed with four adult children and several wonderful grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 4:14 - "God takes us a mountain top to give us a vision, but nothing is ever made reality on a mountaintop. There's rock up there, nothing grows and He always takes us in the valley for the dream and the vision to become reality." * 13:39 - "What can I do for [my son] to love You and make You Lord of his life? And the Lord said, All you have to do is love your wife. I said, What? He says, if you love your wife in his presence, he will always trust you and believe you. But if he ever sees you abusing his mother, he will never trust anything you ever say to him. The most important thing you could do is love his mother, in his presence, always."

Links from Today’s Conversation * A Place for the Heart * Cageless Birds * No Longer Slaves (Official Lyric Video) - Bethel Music, Jonathan & Melissa Helser | Peace * 18 Inch Journey

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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What’s holding dads back from viewing fatherhood as a gift? In this episode, Banning Liebscher tackles some of the most complex obstacles dads face. With joyful reflection and practical advice, Banning will inspire you to approach parenting with a purpose.

Key Takeaways * Master being self-aware and others-aware. * The danger for dads is not a lack of activity; it’s activity that is not going anywhere because you have not defined success. * How you love your children will reveal God’s love to them. * The goal is not to work harder but to abide more.

Banning Liebscher Banning Liebscher is a pastor, speaker, and author. Along with his wife, SeaJay, he founded Jesus Culture, a ministry of worship, conferences, and leadership development. Together, they have three young adult children: Ellianna, Raya, and Lake.

Key Quotes * 13:10 - "Can my wife give me feedback? Can people around me give me feedback? The biggest thing is people giving me feedback about how they were experiencing me and then me having to go do the work around, what's going on inside of me? I think the Enneagram, Disc test, strength finders, love languages, Myers-Briggs, they're all these different ones. Those helped go, this is how I'm wired. They're there for this is when I'm stressed, how I respond, when I'm overwhelmed, how I respond, when I'm scared, when I'm hurt. Those things actually helped me a ton." * 24:19 - "God's going to ask you about your relationships. He's going to ask you about the people that He put in your life, the people that you're called to disciple, the people that you're called to pour your life out for." * 33:59 - "The goal is not to work harder, it's to abide more. If you're like, I want to be a better dad, well, you're going to have to work at it. But the point is not, I'm going to work harder. No, I've got to make sure that I am positioning myself in the love of the Father myself, so that I can go be the best version for you."

Links from Today’s Conversation * The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back by Flip Flippen * Jesus Culture * Banning Liebscher’s Books

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Five years ago, Carlos Whittaker joined us on the DadAwesome podcast. A lot has changed since then. With a new perspective of launching his children into the world, Carlos is here to ask the hard-hitting questions. He’ll inspire you to become a father who knows how to be, see, and free.

Key Takeaways * No app can replace the love and connection you provide your child. * What are you using to medicate some of the inadequacies you feel in your parenting? * Lower the volume of life and be present. * See past the problems and behaviors to parent your child. * You are set apart as a father to breathe life into your kids.

Carlos Whittaker Carlos Whittaker spreads hope and encouragement through his roles as an author, podcaster, and global speaker. He and his wife Heather live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their three young adult children.

Key Quotes * 14:03 - "Men were just addicted to, dads were just addicted to their work, before that, they were addicted to whatever it may have been. So, what is the medicator? The medicator that you're using to medicate some inadequacies that you feel in your parenting, break those things and be more present. What does it look like to lower the volume of life, slow the pace of life down?" * 16:54 - "What are ways that you as a father are set apart and separated from the rest of all of humanity? All of the other individuals that are speaking into [your] lives, you as a father, you as a dad, you are set apart in a way that nobody else is. Just a look from their father, looking them in the eyes and saying, I love you and I'm proud of you. Just that is going to free your kids in ways that you probably can't even imagine."

Links from Today's Conversation

• Episode 300 Dad Notes
• Carlos' Website
• Parenting Podcast Series: Episode 121-125 of Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker
• Episode 122: Parenting Series - My Kids' AMAZING Therapists, David Thomas and Sissy Goff
• How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us by Carlos Whittaker
• All Carlos Whittaker Books

Connect with dadAWESOME

• Make a Donation to dadAWESOME
• Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team
• Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Last week, Brian Stites went to be with the Lord. His life was a walking testament of how men can show up as engaged, front yard fathers. Despite facing some of the hardest challenges, Brian continued to trust God and walk in faith. In his memory, here are ten things that were true about Brian that every dad can strive toward.

Key takeaways

• He was serving others.
• He joined other men around a mission.
• He was the first to give.
• He encountered hardship with faith.
• He helped support others.
• He kept serving others.
• He kept being generous.
• He worshiped and he laughed.
• He celebrated others.
• He finished his race with gladness.

Brian Stites

Brian Stites was a man who took front yard fatherhood seriously. For him, everyone was welcome. He showed up for countless other men as a mentor and father figure. Brian went home to Heaven on October 18, 2023.

Key Quotes * 3:26 - "I'm calling this episode Front Yard Fatherhood. If you think of a backyard of a house with a fence, it's kind of private, closed off, you're not welcome there unless you know the person. Front yard is, you're out on the street, you're out welcoming others. I felt a very front yard with Brian. Partially because Brian would have me come sit with him in his front yard, open to the whole neighborhood to see. We would sit and talk and cry, and we prayed together in his front yard. But his heart, him and Heather, their hearts were very front yard, everyone's welcome." * 10:28 - "He finished his race with gladness. His posture was one of hope, faith, gladness. He's suffering. He was having a hard time speaking and keeping dialog going, yet he had gladness. "

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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It’s the 300th episode of DadAwesome! In celebration of this milestone, check out these 90+ practical takeaways from 30+ fathers in all walks of life. Thank you for being part of the DadAwesome community.

Key Takeaways - please register to recieve the DAD NOTES: https://www.dadawesome.org/300 Featured Guests From pastors and authors to CEOs and beyond, these 30+ male voices capture the challenges and blessings of fatherhood. They will inspire and encourage you to lead with wonder as a dad.

Links/Giveaways mentioned

• Florida Vacation Giveaway - https://www.dadawesome.org/300
• Other ways to win
• Follow @dadawesome on IG for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the DadAwesome store
• Mention other people in the comments on the DadAwesome Instagram for a chance to win
• Email awesome@dadawesome.org (recommend future podcast guests in the subject/body)
• Email awesome@dadawesome.org (recommend resources, TedTalks, online courses, etc.)
• Join the Weekly Text - Text “dad” to (651) 370-8618

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John Eldredge recently returned from a sabbatical where he discovered deeper truths about God’s love and plans for us. Now, he’s imparting his wisdom about how to experience healing, joy, and adventure amid the challenges of life.

Key Takeaways * The world is focused on distraction and sedation. * Walk daily into the center of your pain, linger, and Jesus will meet you there. * You need help receiving the love of God. * Invite others into God’s love by telling fresh, current Jesus stories. * The enemy whispers to the good man, “You’re not enough.”

John Eldredge John Eldredge is an author, counselor, teacher, and the president of Wild at Heart. He and his wife, Stasi, have three sons and are proud grandparents. John loves all things beauty, nature, adventure, and more.

Key Quotes * 11:47 - "Think about all those people in countries where they can't get to a therapist, they can get to a healing prayer ministry. They're not left out. The simple thing is, as your soul presents stuff, your fear, your rage, your lust, whatever it is, Jesus says, walk into the center of it and invite Me there And I will meet you there and restore your soul." * 18:26- "Chesterton described the Christian life as furious opposites. There's beauty, goodness, joy, laughter, play, adventure. There's so much adventure with God. And there is heartache, trauma, loss, evil in the world. It's both. And if you can accept that, you can navigate it. But if you only insist on the happy, the hard's going to really take you out."

Links from Today’s Conversation * SAVE THE DATE: October 19, 2023 at 7pm CT - Episode 300 Live Event: 30 Voices, 90 Takeaways * Happy Summer! Blog Post * 30 Days to Resilient in the One Minute Pause App * Wild At Heart by John Eldredge * The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Dr. Jackson Drumgoole combines passion and practical strategies in this episode. With his F3 and D3 methods, you can help your child identify their gifts and launch them into the world for success.

Key Takeaways * Be the loudest voice in your child’s ears. * Help your kids find, follow, and finish their God-given purpose. * Help them discover, develop, and deploy their gifts to the world * Lead where you live with love. * Be the Kool-Aid house.

Dr. Jackson Drumgoole Dr. Jackson Drumgoole is an inspirational speaker, author, and veteran with a heart for fathers and families. He and his wife, ShDonna, have five children.

Key Quotes * 6:21 - "I want to make sure that I'm the loudest voice in their ear and that I'm telling them who they are, whose they are, I'm telling them their influence in the world and help them to find, follow, and finish their God given purpose. Help them to discover, develop and deploy their gifts to the world. I need them to know that before they walk out of the house in the morning time, because of all the all the influences in the earth, and I want to make sure they hear that." * 20:55 - "For my kids, helping them to discover what it is they were really passionate about, is spending time with them. I stopped by their rooms every day and just sat in with them for a moment to check on them, to see how they're doing and really just spend time in their world. Helping them to discover that piece, to say, okay, what are you naturally drawn to?"

Links from Today’s Conversation * SAVE THE DATE: October 19, 2023 at 7pm CT - Episode 300 Live Event: 30 Voices, 90 Takeaways * Bridge Builder Community * Fathering for Effect Course * Preparing to Launch Your Teenage Daughter (Interview with Dr. Jackson Drumgoole) — The Dad Whisperer Podcast with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield * Dads Are Thermostats Not Thermometers (Interview with Jackson Drumgoole) — The Dad Whisperer Podcast with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Alex Burton once asked his trusted friends a vulnerable question: “What do you see in my life that I’m not seeing?” Their honest responses shifted his outlook on his marriage and parenting. Now, he’s here to share the valuable lessons that helped him experience more joy and grow closer to God and his family.

Key Takeaways * God is always listening. * Be generous with joy bombs. * “What do you see in my life that I’m not seeing?” * Delight in what your children delight in.

Alex Burton Alex Burton is an outdoors enthusiast and father of three. He and his wife, Mel, have been married for 26 years. Alex is part of the staff team at Wild At Heart.

Key Quotes * 9:19 - “We talk about initiation a lot with our sons, but the same is true for our daughters. For her to experience something at a soul level rather than just the cognitive level is pretty special.” * 38:46 - “The idea of, delight in what they delight in, because delight's a whole lot different than being pleased because they succeeded. It's what God does for us. He delights in us and He delights in the things that bring us joy. He delights in the things that we love. That's the picture of a Father that's pursuing His kids and not putting pressure on them.”

Links from Today’s Conversation * SAVE THE DATE: October 19, 2023 at 7pm CT - Episode 300 Live Event: 30 Voices, 90 Takeaways * The Beauty | Wild At Heart

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In the second part of our conversation, Gaelin Elmore describes the spiritual awakening he experienced in his journey through professional sports. He also shares the lessons he learned by walking away from the things he idolized in order to be all-out for God.

Key Takeaways * There is an internal conflict between following the real Savior and the things you thought would save you. * Be all-out for God. * Never underestimate the power of being present as a husband and father. * What does your church do to actively engage the foster care community?

Gaelin Elmore Gaelin Elmore is a leader, writer, and motivational speaker whose childhood was marked by foster care, abuse, and homelessness. Now, Gaelin advocates for youth with adverse backgrounds. He and his wife, Micaela, have two young daughters.

Key Quotes * 19:49 - "We can never measure or fully comprehend the power of being with someone while they're going through the good and the bad. If you listen to this and you hear any consistency through my story, it's at the lowest low, at the highest high, I just wanted my people." * 26:40 - "Foster care doesn't make sense if Christians aren't the ones leading it. Does not make sense. It is not a wisdom of this world. It is something that is such a greater calling in ministry that that only God could call us to and and support us in."

Links from Today’s Conversation * SAVE THE DATE: October 19, 2023 at 7pm CT - Episode 300 Live Event: 30 Voices, 90 Takeaways * Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore * The Reel Hope Project * The Forgotten Podcast - (The Forgotten Initiative) * GaelinSpeaks.com (Gaelin’s website)

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Episode Description Gaelin Elmore’s childhood experiences included foster care, homelessness, and abuse. Now a father of two young girls, he reflects on how his past shaped his parenting and shares what other dads need to know about stepping up for children in foster care.

Key Takeaways * Children naturally give you grace. * You don’t have to minimize what you’ve gone through. * Children in foster care are looking for someone to be looking for them. * What if God asks you to make room for another child in your home?

Gaelin Elmore Gaelin Elmore is a leader, writer, and motivational speaker whose childhood was marked by foster care, abuse, and homelessness. Now, Gaelin advocates for youth with adverse backgrounds. He and his wife, Micaela, have two young daughters.

Key Quotes Links from Today’s Conversation * SAVE THE DATE: October 19, 2023 at 7pm CT - Episode 300 Live Event: 30 Voices, 90 Takeaways * The Reel Hope Project * GaelinSpeaks.com

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After 52 years of marriage, Roger Thompson has learned a thing or two about how to have a thriving relationship. In this episode, he shares his powerful tactic for keeping his marriage strong. Plus, he urges young dads to reconsider the way they prioritize their children’s activities.

Key Takeaways * You often don’t know who you are until someone else tells you who you are. * Get one ahead everyday. * Busyness is a concern for young parents and their children. * Don’t forsake your spiritual development and brotherhood for your children’s activities.

Roger Thompson Roger Thompson is a passionate men’s ministry leader and pastor at large based in the Twin Cities. He and his wife, Joanne, have been married for 52 years and have two daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 5:55 - "An affirmation is, here's what you bring to the game. I saw your strength when... Or thank you for reminding me, in your behavior, of something you've done. So when we do that with other men, it's like a blacksmith's bellows, it heats up the fire, the coal is there, but we don't know who we are until somebody else really tells us who we are. And if we can build a culture of mutual affirmation and get out of the culture of sarcasm, a true affirmation cuts through all the shyness of really looking at another man in the eye and saying, Brother, I love you." * 11:59 - "How can you stay married for 41 years? You just have to do your part and your wife is the only one who can do her part. But a lot of times men give up. Well, I'm not getting back what I'm putting in, so I'm going to quit. You think about the five love languages, I'm trying to love my wife in my language and it doesn't translate. I need to, I need to learn her language."

Links from Today’s Conversation * IronWorks Website * YouTube: 40 Days of Wisdom Series * Book: Do The Next Right Thing: Wisdom For Your Next Step by Roger Thompson * Book: Love And Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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For Roger Thompson, discipling other men is life-giving. Between his father’s salvation story and his own childhood, Roger has experienced the empowering nature of brotherhood firsthand. In the first part of this conversation, he highlights the role of endurance and fortitude to encourage you in your fatherhood climb.

Key Takeaways * God is reparenting us. * Your investment into brotherhood will leave a multigenerational impact. * Endurance is when you continue forward without seeing any finish line. * In the rock climbing analogy of life, there are eight handholds you must master.

Roger Thompson Roger Thompson is a passionate men’s ministry leader and pastor at large based in the Twin Cities. He and his wife, Joanne, have been married for 52 years and have two daughters, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 8:47 - "I'm an inheritor of that. I'm a complete recipient of a man with whom God broke the chain. So my dad's a first generation chain breaker. A New Testament disciple and look at what that has done. Don't look at me, but just look at what I got as a gift. I got a dad who loved me, who cared for me." * 16:16 - "That's how manly affection was conveyed to me. I'm with you. We're in this together. I need you for this. And I certainly needed him, but [my dad] made it clear that he needed me."

Links from Today’s Conversation * IronWorks Website * YouTube: 40 Days of Wisdom Series * Book: Do The Next Right Thing: Wisdom For Your Next Step by Roger Thompson * Book: Endurance by Ernest Shackleton

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In the second part of this campfire conversation, Jeff, Joe, Tyler, and Dago discuss fatherhood models, top resource recommendations, and advice for rookie dads. They conclude with powerful intercessory prayer for other fathers in the DadAwesome community.

Key Takeaways * Learn how to learn from the wisdom of others. * Pray generational blessings over your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond. * Working on yourself and your marriage will make you a better dad. * Your greatest joys will come from your most challenging responsibilities. * Plus, top fatherhood resources, books, and apps.

Tyler Van Eps, Dago Darezzo, & Joe Ostrem Tyler Van Eps and his wife have four children and describe themselves as a quintessential Minnesota family. Originally from Brazil, Dago Darezzo and his wife have two sons and enjoy being active as a family. Joe Ostrem and his wife met as kids and are now parents to four daughters.

Key Quotes * 8:45 - “Parenting all girls, and my girls are interested in things that on my own I would not be interested in, but because they're interested in it, I'm interested in it.” * 9:42 - “Working on yourself and your marriage will make you a better dad.” * 26:31 - “Your greatest joys are ultimately going to become your heaviest responsibilities or the responsibilities that seem like the biggest challenges in your life… Celebrate responsibility, knowing that it's refining your character, knowing that it's strengthening you as much as it may feel like it steals from you in a season, steals capacity or steals energy, it just returns to you in so many more ways than it takes from you."

Links From Today's Conversation * NEW https://dadawesome.org website (DM/Text/Email jeff@dadawesome.org with feedback for a free gift - first 20) * Atomic Habits by James Clear * Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer by Chris Hodges * Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Roar * The Pause App (John Eldredge)

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In this conversation, four fathers sit around a campfire to discuss all things fatherhood. You’ll be inspired and equipped to live out your family values, lead by example, and engage in significant spiritual conversations within your brotherhood. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Identify your family values, define them, and create “I will” statements based on your definitions. * You can know you are succeeding as a father when your kids ask questions about how you live out your faith. * Take note of the stories that demonstrate your child growing closer to Jesus. * Based on the example of Gideon, what beliefs do you need to tear down and rebuild in a way that pleases the Lord? * When did you last have a vulnerable spiritual conversation with your brotherhood?

Tyler Van Eps, Dago Darezzo, and Joe Ostrem Tyler Van Eps and his wife have four children and describe themselves as a quintessential Minnesota family.

Originally from Brazil, Dago Darezzo and his wife have two sons and enjoy being active as a family.

Joe Ostrem and his wife met as kids and are now parents to four daughters.

Key Quotes * 18:35 - "We want to take some time to re-articulate our family values. Shelly and I have gone through processes where we we identify our values, we define them in our own words, and then we really look at what behaviors support those. And we frame them as I will or I will not statements." * 21:06 - "I know that I'm winning or I know that I'm being successful when my kids are asking me questions out of curiosity about different things I'm doing with my faith. When they're asking me questions about the way that I'm living out my faith, I know that's a part of being successful." * 29:29 - "As men, we believe we don't need [male] friendship. We believe we're too tough for that. Or we don't need to go deeper. We don't need to be vulnerable. We don't need to be authentic. We don't need to share struggles because that will make us less of a man. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started getting more into this community and having the consistency of connecting, the consistency of sharing and listening and getting deeper and intentional and that started transforming my life. My parenting, my marriage, you name it. My physical health, mental health, everything."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Jeff Zaugg steps behind the microphone in this episode to share his personal fatherhood journey and how he adds adventure and intentionality to the dad life. Interviewed by Dr. Michelle Canfield Watson, Jeff shares powerful encouragement and insights for fathers in any stage of parenting. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Tell your children you love being their dad. * Challenge yourself to step into the unknown with your whole heart. * You can gamify every stage of fathering. * Most fathers rank themselves worse than average, but you can flip the script.

Jeff Zaugg Jeff Zaugg is the founder of dadAWESOME and FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS, two ministries that resource and rally dads through engaging podcasts and 100-mile bike rides. Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for seventeen years and are parents to four daughters.

Key Quotes * 14:00 - "I call it the intentional 40. I turned 40 about 14 months ago, and I said, Hey, if I could get more intentional moments with my wife, that would that would be good in so many levels, more intentional moments with my girls, more intentional moments with friends and more intentional moments with mentors. The drift, I want to be a dad, a man, a follower of Jesus who is dreaming and not drifting. And our dreams, often we have to take action to spark bigger dreams, and we have to stretch ourselves and be a little bit vulnerable and do something that's hard." * 39:02 - "I'll give away more of me, in my heart, that I think most of us dads, the same way we give all of ourselves to the stranger and a fraction of ourselves to the little precious gifts."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield's Website * Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield's Books * DadAwesome, Episode 277 (Part 1), with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield * DadAwesome, Episode 278 (Part 2), with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield * Ephesians 3:20

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As a father of seven, Moses Ehambe’s passion and energy is remarkable. His message will inspire and equip you to elevate every area of your life by pursuing excellence and finding a brotherhood that will support you. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * You need an Aaron and a Hur to hold up your hands on your fatherhood journey. * Visualize yourself giving your problems to God. * Don’t sit on the bench when you get home from work. * You can’t be perfect, but when you strive for perfection, you land on excellence.

Moses Ehambe Moses Ehambe is an experienced professional basketball player, coach, former NBA apprentice, and personal development coach known for his energy, authenticity, and leadership skills. He and his wife, Sarah, have seven children and live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Key Quotes * 17:29 - "A fantastic way to exercise that is visualization. You as a man think it, so is he. Whatever you think you'll be, whatever you speak, you become. So if you think, lay it at His feet and you actually visualize you in front of His throne with all your problems, you put it in a bag and you just throw it at His feet. Like, good bye and just walk away. I think that does something powerful to you and alleviates any weight from you. * 28:31 - "As fathers, as providers at home, we put so much emphasis on I'm the provider, I got to go out, I got to do what I got to do, so I can provide for my family with the money. And, nah, it's twofold, bro. You got to provide financially, but you also got to provide emotionally as well. The only way you could provide emotionally is if you take those two shifts. And those two shifts are you're going out to work, but you're also coming into work." * 31:11 - "Knowing that we still strive for perfection, our job is to be more and more like Jesus and He was perfect. We will never, ever become perfect, but guess what happens when you strive for perfection? You land on excellence. Being able to land on excellence as a father, as a husband, as a professional. Dad, there's no better feeling."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * DadAwesome episode 118 with Moses Ehambe * Follow @mosesehambe on Instagram * Aleph Holdings * Honour Capital * Pactimo

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Before Lisa Max was a parenting coach or ministry director, she walked her own journey of brokenness. She experienced a childhood of hurt and later witnessed her own children face the emotional pain she had once endured. However, God redeemed her family's story. In this episode, she provides fathers with tangible wisdom and practical solutions to walk in authority and partner with the Holy Spirit in parenting. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Your children are your ministry team. * There's no such thing as passive fathers; your behavior can be passive, but your influence is not. * Model your earthly home after the Father's. * Fear is a welcome mat, so don't fear the things you must take authority over. * Teaching your children how to hear God's voice is essential.

Lisa Max Lisa Max is the director of Let the Children Fly, a ministry that empowers families around the globe to partner with the Holy Spirit in their parenting. Lisa and her four children love playing in the Kingdom and igniting fires in others to do the same.

Key Quotes * 36:06 - "We welcome what we fear. Fear is a welcome mat. So there can be no fear over [what is going on in our society] there has to be authority." * 47:08 - "I'm a firm believer that we need to be teaching our children how to go to God's voice in the time of peace before we go to His voice in the time of need."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Let The Children Fly Website * Papa's Pocket + Code for $15 off your first box: awesome * Conversations with our Creater EBook + Code for free EBook: hear4you

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Jeremy Pryor is back in Part 2 of this conversation to share how dads can create intentional spaces in their home for meaningful family memories. He also encourages fathers to carry the spirit of Elijah by loving and zealously defending the multigenerational family. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Your house is a theme park for the values of your family. * The spirit of Elijah seeks to restore families, while the spirit of Jezebel aims to destroy them. * In today’s culture, the new “ideal” father is the traditional mother. * There’s too much at stake to abdicate your role as a visionary, leading father.

Jeremy Pryor Jeremy Pryor is a business owner, creative entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and builder of multiple movements with family at the core. Jeremy and his wife have five children and reside in a multigenerational home near Cincinnati, Ohio.

Key Quotes * 8:50 - "I want to be able to someday walk around a city and just see in the houses and the neighborhoods and and the businesses and the different expressions. I wish they were all just expressions of family values." * 21:20 - "One of the reasons why Elijah is a multi-generational father or patriarch is that he was the first prophet to set up schools of prophets. He was the first prophet to have a successor that he had trained and gave a double portion, which is the sons, the firstborn sons portion of his spirit. This is why I believe it's really important not to pinpoint a patriarch or fatherhood to married men. He had sons all over the place. And now, he represents the multi-generational father spirit in the scriptures."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Jeremy's Podcast * Jeremy's Books * Family Team's Website * Elijah, Jezebel, and the Battle for the Household YouTube Video

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Jeremy Pryor once wondered what would happen if parents, rather than aiming to ensure their children’s happiness, aimed to raise children that would be great parents to the third generation. Now, as a grandfather himself, Jeremy is witnessing the rewards of multigenerational family bonds firsthand and teaching others how to create the same. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Aim to make your children excellent parents to your grandchildren. * Masculinity is typified by mature fatherhood. * Everything you do in the workplace should flow out of your role as a father. * Work together to build assets as a family. * A peer-oriented childhood is not psychologically or historically usual.

Jeremy Pryor Jeremy Pryor is a business owner, creative entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and builder of multiple movements with family at the core. Jeremy and his wife have five children and reside in a multigenerational home near Cincinnati, Ohio.

Key Quotes * 6:24 - "One of the intuitions that shifts when you think this way is when you're parenting your kids, the default in our culture is to parent your kids for their happiness. That creates a terminal generation." * 8:43 - "The most practical thing to build for your children is a multi-generational root structure. So they are grounded in their identity from day one. They know who we are. They're not just an individual now. They are an individual. And we want to honor all of the unique ways that God has made them. But what we've been experimenting with as a culture is that, that is primary and that's almost entirely where identity comes from, is it's all individual."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Jeremy's Podcast * Jeremy's Books

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In the second part of this conversation, Jay Heck reaffirms his encouragement for fathers to take risks, invite their children on adventures, and actively listen to God. He also explores the necessity of community and the courage needed to be curious. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Masculinity bestows masculinity. * Learn how to dialogue with Jesus instead of monologuing. * There are questions you can only get answered when in community with others. * Curiosity takes courage.

Jay Heck Jay Heck is the founder and director of Being Songs, a ministry helping men discover that authentic, fearless, God-designed manhood begins by being a son.

Key Quotes * 10:34 - "Jesus had the entire Scripture memorized and better understood than any human being in all of human history. If that's all that He needed, then why did God break all the rules at the River Jordan and say to Him, You are my beloved son, out loud so everybody could hear. I mean, if He needed it, I need it." * 16:45 - "He asks questions to disrupt us. We're not intended to have the answer in that moment, we're intended to flush the answer out. And I realized very quickly, I cannot discover the answer to this question in isolation. It has to be, can only come through other men. Because in that moment, not only was He helping me realize the root of all of my anger. He was helping me understand the root of all men's angers and fears and pornography and in addiction to liquor and all this other stuff is just because life is hard, because it's up to me."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Being Sons Website * Being Sons Podcast * Being Sons Blog * Being Sons Upcoming Events

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As a teenager, Jay Heck watched his father take a risk for God that changed the trajectory of their lives. Jay reached a similar crossroads when he became a husband and father: he could continue to live in fear or take a risk and trust God completely. He wants every father to know that they can choose the latter. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Three questions to ask your kids: How am I doing as a dad? What’s one thing I do really well? What’s one area that I can improve upon? * Your child’s lens of what it means to be a believer comes from the risks you take. * You can only be honest and vulnerable with God when you believe he is kind. * If you believe lies about your identity, you’re always going to be angry no matter how perfect your life appears.

Jay Heck Jay Heck is the founder and director of Being Songs, a ministry helping men discover that authentic, fearless, God-designed manhood begins by being a son.

Key Quotes * 9:45 - "God has Fathered me, and that's a term that I throw out quite frequently... Just the worldview change, that God's actually Fathering us and initiating us in the uninitiated places." * 18:32 - "Truth be told, my journey, as a son, from God's perspective, has been since before the foundations of the earth... even before He knit me together in my mother's womb. He's always had a plan. He's always had, in His heart, throughout the course of history, to create me, to create you, to create every one of you who's listening to this, to be the object of His affection, to be the object of His love, and to bring us into maturity. That's always been His goal."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Being Sons Website * Being Sons Podcast * Being Sons Blog * Being Sons Upcoming Events

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In this episode, Ken Canfield shares the remaining behaviors from The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers, plus how to uncover a bonus secret. He provides actionable advice for grandparents who want to leave a great legacy, mend broken relationships, and be involved in their grandchildren’s lives. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers * There is a ripple effect when a dad takes faith seriously. * You will discover an eighth secret on your fatherhood journey, and you need to share it with others when you do. * Grandparents have an important role in preserving heritage, pursuing reconciliation, and passing along knowledge to their grandchildren.

Dr. Ken Canfield Dr. Ken Canfield is a nationally known leader, scholar, and author committed to strengthening fathers and families. He founded the National Center for Fathering and the National Association for Grandparenting in 1990 and 2016, respectively. Ken is blessed with five adult children and 14 grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 5:26 - "If you are affirming and lifting up the woman who gave you the privilege of becoming a father and you're caring for her, as we see in Ephesians 5, Colossians 3 and other places, that bride is going to not only inform your fathering, but have the tight marriage that we need our children and grandchildren to see as models." * 18:27 - "When we get this, what I call generational strength and solidarity, it brings a joy not only to you as a grandparent, but you can feel that you're getting ready to get promoted and at that promotion, you're going to see somebody that will say, you did the best you could. Well done, my son."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Grandkids Matter * The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers: Becoming the Father Your Children Need * National Center for Fathering — Fathers.com

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Dr. Ken Canfield has dedicated decades of his life to discovering the secrets of extraordinary fathers. In this episode, he examines the state of fatherhood worldwide and emphasizes the importance of connecting with other fathers and mentors. He also uncovers the first three characteristics you need to be an effective father. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * An abundance of resources makes it one of the best times to be a father, but the rates of abuse, fatherlessness, and addiction make it one of the worst. * You need a battle buddy in your fatherhood journey. * Recognize that vulnerability is winsome. * When you fail, humble yourself before the one perfect Father. * The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers

Dr. Ken Canfield Dr. Ken Canfield is a nationally known leader, scholar, and author committed to strengthening fathers and families. He founded the National Center for Fathering and the National Association for Grandparenting in 1990 and 2016, respectively. Ken is blessed with five adult children and 14 grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 11:44 - "There are no perfect fathers except one. And if he is tightly in your heart and your household, and you're just humbly submitting to Him, He's going to bless you. You know why? He's invested in your name. They call him Father." * 21:32 - "If you're predictable, if your children know what to expect of you, if you keep your promises and this is a subsection of the importance of discipline and giving guidance. Consistency is that benchmark. Think of yourself as the Rock of Gibraltar. And before we had GPS, they used landmarks to mark a course. Your kids are going on a journey. You're a landmark relationally, spiritually and emotionally. And so that consistency is the predictability in who you are and your follow through."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers: Becoming the Father Your Children Need * National Center for Fathering — Fathers.com

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Three years ago, Ben Calhoun gave up fame and status as a touring musician. Instead, he wanted to be around for his family. In this episode, he encourages fathers to realign their priorities with what God has called them to do. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * 5 Fs: Faith in Jesus, Family, Friends, Food, Fun * You have to be present to win. * Obedience is consistent, faithful steps in the same direction. * Your priorities dictate your decisions. * Practical ideas for how to help your children memorize Scripture.

Ben Calhoun Ben Calhoun is a musician, children’s book author, husband, and father to three girls. He is the founder and frontman for the contemporary Christian band CITIZEN WAY. Ben and his family reside in Franklin, Tennessee.

Key Quotes * 00:45 - "The best thing I could do is teach them [to love God's Word] and enjoy it myself. If you're enjoying it yourself, they will naturally follow you. Just open the Word as a family, pick a verse and memorize it. Put it on your wall, have every kid write it on a little thing and put it in their mirror or whatever. Do something." * 33:12 - "There's a security that only comes with the father. That's the way it was supernaturally designed from the Father. And it does not work any other way."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bencalhoun/ * Follow Ben on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bencalhoun * Follow Ben on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3DoB8IT5SRyA12rBhSqVkW?si=-yUbC3q1T--zHYm7-fSBNw * Buy Ben’s book: https://www.bencalhoun.com/product-page/savannah-s-pajamas

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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It's time to get fired up as a father. In this episode, Rob Hoskins will challenge you to examine your family's mission, plant yourself in God's plan for your life, and go all-in as a father. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * As a dad, do you fight for your kids or take flight? * Don't just protect your kids from the world; raise them to be agents of transformation in the world. * Are you potted, or are you planted? * How you instill family values must be individualized for each of your kids. * The 5 D Framework: Discover, Design, Deploy, Document, Dream.

Rob Hoskins Rob Hoskins is an author, blogger, and the president of OneHope, which has partnered with local churches to reach more than 1.8 billion children and youth with God's Word. Rob and his wife, Kim, have two married daughters and three grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 19:37 - "I don't think my daughters ever heard a negative word about dad travel. Because [Kim] had woven into our family's reality the fact that Dad was on mission and that we're on mission, that they knew where I was, what I was doing and why I was doing it. So there was a real intentionality about the purpose of our family." * 34:02 - "I feel like fathers have sold their birthright as a dad and that right of fatherhood. I mean, can you imagine that God the Father chooses as His most supreme title, as Father. Not King, not Lord. He is Father. He is Abba. And that moniker, that honor is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God of all. That's the title He wears most proudly."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * OneHope's Website * Book: Change Your World

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Are you parenting in the same way God parents you? This is one of the big questions Amanda Carrara asks in this episode. As a mother, writer, and parenting coach, she shares valuable knowledge and wisdom about how to create connection in your home by looking at parenting from a new perspective. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * When your children successfully launch from your house, what characteristics do you want them to have? * Being a parent is an invitation to lean into a relationship with your Heavenly Father. * You keep yourself from experiencing the joys of parenthood when you deny negative emotions such as frustration. * The #1 hidden parenting tool is to pause and acknowledge your child’s experiences. * Do you have margin in your life for sacred interruptions?

Amanda Carrara Amanda Carrara is a speaker, writer, and parenting coach passionate about helping others experience a parenting revival. Amanda and her husband have three children and live in Mahtomedi, Minnesota.

Key Quotes * 8:29 - "I always say that parenting begins within us. So I think about the scripture from 1 John 4 that we love because He first loved us. And so as a parent we actually don't have the capacity to show up for our kids the way that we really want the desire that we have until we've received that from the Father. And so being a parent is actually a gift and an invitation to lean in your relationship with your Heavenly Father. And so it's all of that outpouring of receiving from Him that we can give to our kids." * 12:58 - "There is so much power in the pause. Your tool is noticing your child's experience."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Revival Parenting Website * How to start Revival Parenting

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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In the second part of this conversation, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield leans into the practical actions fathers can take to connect with their daughters. She analyzes how to make 1-on-1s more effective and breaks down three of the most important skills you can implement starting today. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * If your daughter is pushing you away or is estranged, put your love in writing. * Soften your tone by starting questions with the words, “I’m wondering…”. * Fight for your daughter by proactively putting positive, handwritten messages on her mirror. * Your anger has more destructive power than you’ll ever know.

Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield has dedicated the last 13 years to empowering fathers to turn their hearts toward their daughters. In addition to writing two books for dads of daughters, she is the founder of The Abba Project and has hosted The Dad Whisperer Podcast since 2016.

Key Quotes * 07:12 - "The power of your written word on her mirror, on the sticky note, or even just writing her little card. Your handwritten messages, in this time of technology, are things that that will... last the test of time." * 21:38 - "Drop your anger. I know that's easier said than done, but, Dad, your anger will do more to shut down the core of who she is, to mar her spirit, to defeat her confidence, tear her down. Your anger has more destructive power than you'll ever know."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Dr. Canfield's Website * Dr. Canfield's Books * The Dad Whisperer Podcast

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield recognizes that dads need to turn their hearts—not just their heads—towards their daughters. In this episode, she shares several tools you can add to your fatherhood toolbox to engage your daughter’s heart. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * When you look into your child’s eyes, especially when you’re angry, you’ll respond differently. * Connect with your daughter’s heart each night by asking, "How have I been sharp with you today, and will you forgive me?” * You will never regret waiting to discipline your child until after you have calmed down. * The best antidote to saving your daughter from a dud is engaging her at the heart level. * Lead your daughter to laugh, love, look, lament, and listen.

Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield has dedicated the last 13 years to empowering fathers to turn their hearts toward their daughters. In addition to writing two books for dads of daughters, she is the founder of The Abba Project and has hosted The Dad Whisperer Podcast since 2016.

Key Quotes * 7:44 - "But again, we all give out what we have. So if you are in a place where you don't know how to be gentle with yourself or quiet before the Lord to let Him convict you or speak to you, it's going to be harder to give that out. But it starts with you having times, I would say with God, where you listen and soften your heart. Because don't we love how Proverbs 15 says, a soft answer turns away wrath?" * 12:29 - "The best antidote to saving your daughter from the dudes and the duds is you engage at a heart level by asking her questions. How did my response impact you? How did that make you feel? All those heart words."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Dr. Canfield's Website * Dr. Canfield's Books * The Dad Whisperer Podcast

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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As a mom to three adult children, Deborah Porter knows that small moments of intentionality can have a lifelong impact on children. In this episode, Deborah equips fathers with real-life examples and ideas to trust God, take leadership, and pursue work/life balance. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Insert your presence into your family as much as possible, even if you’re not physically there. * If there is a riff between you and your child, be the one to reach out first. * You never know what you’ll unlock when you willingly choose to forgive. * Dads can take leadership in three key areas: fun, prayer, and household chores. * Acknowledge your fear, but don’t parent out of fear.

Deborah Porter Deborah Porter is an influential voice and media contributor on parenting and motherhood. She and her husband, Clif, have been married for nearly 34 years and have three adult children. Deborah provides resources and coaching focused on the intersectionality of work, life, and family.

Key Quotes * 6:49 - "There are always going to be things that are going to want to pull you from your commitment from where your heart really wants to be. Just be really intentional of protecting what's really special." * 17:16 - "We oftentimes don't know what we unlock when we willingly choose to forgive... So many times just the act of obedience just unlocks so much more that God has for us."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Deborah's Website

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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The words you say to your children have power. In this episode, Justin Hanneken shares how and why to speak blessings over your children. He also shares strategies for modeling missions to your family, pressing into prayer, and fasting for a breakthrough. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Take your children on a 10-Year-Old Adventure so they can live their faith outside the walls of the church. * The words “always” and “never” become curses when you speak them negatively toward your children. * You can ask your spiritual father for his blessing over you. * When your children come to you with hurt or challenges, seize the moment to speak life into them. * Physical hunger can reveal spiritual hunger for believers of all ages.

Justin Hanneken Justin Hanneken and his wife, Karena, have been married for 18 years and have 5 children. Justin serves as the executive director of Ends of the Earth Cycling, which has hosted 34 Christ-centered cycling tours that have raised over $1 million for global youth ministry.

Key Quotes * 29:09 - "Prayer is our first work. So basically, as Christians, we want to serve the Lord, we want to do things for God. But a lot of times we just jump right into those things and we haven't spent time in prayer. And so for dads that are listening, I just want to encourage you, pray for your family daily, pray for your your family by name." * 34:30 - "If you're a follower of Jesus, he says in the New Testament, when you fast and then He talks about what we should do. It's not if you fast, it's basically assume that if you're Christian, fasting is going to be part of what you do."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Ends of the Earth Cycling * YouthHOPE website

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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David Hirsch has spent over 28 years creating intentional resources for fathers. As he shares his story, he’ll inspire you to be present with your children physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Be as actively involved in your child’s education as you can be. * Instead of lamenting that a biological father can’t be involved with his children, help bridge the gap through mentoring or coaching. * “Who you are speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you’re saying.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson * The most important thing a dad can do is be present physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

David Hirsch David Hirsch and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 39 years and have five adult children. David helped found the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative in 1997 and the 21st Century Dads Foundation in 2015. He is also a wealth manager, author, speaker, and host of the Special Fathers Network’s Dad to Dad Podcast.

Key Quotes * 4:49 - "When dads are involved in the educational lives of their kids, all the other stuff seems to take care of itself. So if there's one thing that I would suggest to any dad who might be listening is, especially dads of young kids, roll up your sleeves, be as actively involved in your child's education as you possibly can be." * 29:05 - "What kids need and what they would benefit most from, is a father being present physically, in their lives, emotionally, which is meaning, don't be the stoic dad of yesteryear, but letting your sons and daughters know that, hey, dads have emotions, too."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * 21st Century Dads Website * The Special Father's Network Dad to Dad Podcast * Devoted: A Father's Love - Rick and Dick Hoyt * Team Hoyt- I Can Only Imagine (MercyMe) * Jessica's Essay Letter

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Stephen Hogue and his wife adopted ten children within ten years, and they cared for many more children in foster care along the way. In this episode, Stephen will encourage you to look at adoption—and your identity in Christ—in a new way. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * There is power in one family saying “yes” to a child who needs a home, whether temporarily or permanently. * The legal aspect of adoption is a picture of salvation. * The most important role of a father is affirmation. * If you know who you are in Christ, nothing and no one can take away your joy or identity.

Stephen Hogue Stephen Hogue is the executive director of OneFamily, a ministry that equips and empowers foster families through wholehearted community support. He and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 25 years and are adoptive parents to 10 children.

Key Quotes * 22:03 - "The spirit of adoption, the legal aspect of adoption is a picture of salvation. And so believe it or not, if you think about it, Jesus went to court, stood before the Judge of the universe and said, Here's an orphaned planet that I want to adopt." * 33:04 - "I see insecure, easily triggered, not confident men. And what God's calling us to be as men is not arrogant, I heard this word, Godfident, it's confident in who God made you to be and secure. Secure is I don't even need my wife to be who He is and that's the principle that has changed me. I don't need anybody. not a president, not a politician, not my wife, not my kids, not my pastor, no one to be who He is. If I'm good with Him and I know who I am and who He says I am, no matter what you do to me, it's not going to take my joy because I'm already good."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * OneFamily's Website

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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A few years ago, Tanner Clark had a clear impression that he needed to focus on helping teenagers. He’s now a motivational speaker who teaches teenagers how to know their worth and reach their full potential. Tanner wants to help fathers do the same with the help of a simple but powerful tool. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * The One Second of Strength is an opportunity to hack your brain and take the best actions for your life and personal growth. * If you’re not present in your child’s life when they’re young, don’t expect them to allow you into their presence when they’re older. * Give yourself grace when you fall short because your kids aren’t holding on to your faults. * Five books every parent should read

Tanner Clark Tanner Clark is a motivational speaker deeply passionate about helping teens be happy and reach their potential. He and his wife, Dani, live in Utah with their four children.

Key Quotes * 9:02 - "There are so many things that are standing between us and who we want to become. And the path forward is by recognizing what are the things that are holding us back, acknowledging them, and then being very intentional about moving forward beyond that. I call it finding your one second of strength. I believe that that there is a moment and if you look back at your life and all the great things that you've done there was a decision point. And in that decision point, one second of strength, is the opportunity to hack your brain, to do the thing that is going to be the best for you and give you that the the growth that you need." * 28:56 - "You find that second of strength every time and you turn and kick to the side. Run away from those waters, get out of those waters, your life changes when you decide that you are that you are important enough to kick to the side. That's when life changes, when you recognize your value, when you recognize how important you are to this world, to other people, to the future people that you don't even know yet. When you recognize your value, it will compel you to turn and kick to the side so that you can become the person that you want to become because you need to be that person. And someone else needs you to be that person. That's the difference.

Links from Today’s Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Tanner's Website * The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults * Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids And How To Break The Trance * Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving The Growing Epidemic Of Unmotivated Boys And Underachieving Young Men * Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed In Our All About Me World * The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story Of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds And Our World

Connect with dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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John Wyatt recently became an empty nester, but that doesn't mean he's forgotten any of the knowledge he learned as a dad to two daughters. In this episode, he's sharing all the things he wants others (including his future sons-in-law!) to know about fatherhood. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Will you choose to be right or choose the relationship? * Being present for your children leads to trust and open communication. * Teaching your kids to listen to God and honor their parents is a worthwhile battle. * Audit your performance as a father with these three questions: Are my kids communicating with me? Are they spending time with me? Do they feel prioritized?

John Wyatt John Wyatt and his wife, Carrie, are newly empty nesters living in Jacksonville, Florida. They have been married for 25 years and successfully launched their two daughters into the world. John is an Associate Executive Pastor at Celebration Church.

Key Quotes * 3:13 - "You can't control them, they control themselves. So it's very difficult letting them be young adults and maybe they're making choices, whereas 25 years down the road you're like, that's not a very good decision. But you have to let them decide for themselves and love them through it." * 4:51 - "We try to just love our kids through stuff. And the most important thing is relationship. You know, you can be right or you can have a relationship. So instead of trying to be right all the time and defend your decisions or defend, you need to do this, and here's why, because I know what I'm talking about. We didn't find that that worked very well with our kids."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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At 27 years old, Josh Taylor sat in a hospital room as his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. In an instant, their plans for the future came crashing down. But God showed up in miraculous ways to teach Josh the importance of trusting in His plan, even when you can’t see the full picture. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * The things you’re facing now will prepare you for challenges decades in the future. * You have to trust that God sees the whole picture of your life. * Mentorship and discipleship is someone saying, “You’re about to go through what I’ve already been through, and I am unwilling to let you get hurt worse than me.” * In the midst of turmoil, things become very simple, and God uses that simplicity. * Just because you’re imperfect does not mean you’re disqualified from leading.

Josh Taylor Josh Taylor is a mentor, serial entrepreneur, and father to four daughters. He and his wife, Aly, have been married for 16 years. Despite facing cancer and infertility, they have experienced countless miracles and continue to walk in faith for God’s healing.

Key Quotes * 18:01 - "You always look back and ten years removed from anything it looks way more planned out than when you're in the middle of it. And the truth is whether or not I liked what happened to me, what happened to me forced me to be a man, to be more of a man, to do what God had me do. And that then sets me up for ten years down the road that I don't know about. * 33:27 - "In some of our darkest moments, I've had more clarity on what I was supposed to do because I didn't have a ton of options. So in the worst of moments, I simply had to beg God to help and just say, God, I'm not this big, I'm not smart enough, I need you so bad that when I felt those moments, it actually gets very simple."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Josh & Aly's Website * Radical Mentoring * Book: Aly's Fight * Book: How Cancer Made Me A Mommy * Book: How My Wife's Cancer Healed Me * Episode 76 with Regi Campbell (Founder of Radical Mentoring) * Instagram: @alysfight

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Power isn’t about fighting for what you want. It’s about adjusting your actions to protect the heart-to-heart connections with your family instead. Your relationship with your children should empower them like your relationship with Christ empowers you. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * If you want to be a control freak, control your freaking self. * One-way communication is the trademark of tyranny. Your family needs feedback loops. * You’ve been empowered in your relationship with Jesus to speak with Him, share your complaints, be responsible, and have dreams. Empower your children to do the same with you. * A wise and powerful man adjusts his actions to protect heart connections rather than fighting for his right to do what he wants.

Danny Silk Danny Silk is a speaker and author of nine books who draws on decades of experience as a counselor, social worker, husband, parent, grandparent, and more. He is the President and Co-Founder of Loving on Purpose, a ministry to families and communities worldwide.

Key Quotes * 9:13 - "God is more interested in a connection to a son or daughter. The whole purpose of the New Covenant is that connection. That's what it's for. That's the goal. The goal is access to my Father. So I have to decide, do I come into the presence of a loving father who wants to reconnect with me through repentance? Or do I come into the presence of a judge who sees a criminal?" * 11:42 - "People that are trapped in a tyranny, it's one way communication. There's one person, one power source, and everyone else is under the command or in the threat of punishment, that's the culture. Tyranny is we bark out commands, you obey or suffer the consequence. But when you actually empower people and honor people and a culture of honor is two powerful people, in a relationship, working out the needs of each other and the needs of the situation or the environment."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Loving on Purpose Website * Loving on Purpose Podcast

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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The key to self-control is to pick the right target and say “yes” with all your heart. It sets you on the path to being the best man you can be. And when you’re in control of yourself, you can prioritize connection with your kids over intimidation and control. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * Self-control isn’t saying “no” to all the bad things; it’s picking a target and saying “yes” with all your heart. * When you’re a young man, you think a lot about the responsibility to your children and family, but as you age, you’ll think more about your responsibility towards your grandchildren’s success. * Every family has a culture. Be intentional about how you design yours by setting standards for respect, responsibility, and connection. * If the most-used tool in your fatherhood toolbox is some form of intimidation or the threat of punishment, then you have created a culture in your home that does not resemble Heaven. * Your Father is much more concerned about your heart connection to Him than he is about controlling you.

Danny Silk Danny Silk is a speaker and author of nine books who draws on decades of experience as a counselor, social worker, husband, parent, grandparent, and more. He is the President and Co-Founder of Loving on Purpose, a ministry to families and communities worldwide.

Key Quotes * 6:26 - "The power that is in self-control. I mean, when we nail that, when a man nails that, he basically has one job. You basically have one job, tell yourself what to do and do it. If you will just do what you tell yourself to do and then point yourself at a smart target, you are going to rock life." * 7:14 - "You have been given the mind of Christ. You have that ability. Self-control is not saying no to porn, no to alcohol, no to pot, no to lust, that's not self-control. Self-control is pick a target and say yes with all your heart. Just say yes with all your heart and you've automatically said no to the stupid stuff because you have lined yourself up with the genius stuff."

Links From Today's Conversation * Loving on Purpose's Website * Watch the video of Episode 268

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Honor changes everything. It can take you from distant to present, from indifferent to significant, and from passive to passionate. In today's episode, Tony Rorie shares the practical steps you can take to become a man of honor and transform your family. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation

Key Takeaways * Take the dare to have a weekly devotional with your family where you pray, worship, and read scripture together. * First thing in the morning, do the thing you're most afraid to do. * Biblical instruction and modeling Christlike manhood will transform children. * Honor changes everything. It can take you from distant to present, from indifferent to significant, and from passive to passionate.

Tony Rorie Tony Rorie is the founder of the award-winning Men of Honor character education program used in schools, churches, and recreation centers across the U.S. and the world. He and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 32 years and have four adult children.

Key Quotes * 4:46 - "The most important thing that I would dare you to do is have a have a weekly devotional with your family, separate from your church experience, where you get together and read the word of God and pray for one another and worship together. And I know for for many men, praying even with their wives, seems like a daunting task, and they feel intimidated with doing it. But man, I dare you just to just start a family devotional, be the spiritual architect and leader in your home and start out simple." * 5:56 - "I dare you to go go overboard in your affirmation of your kids, you know, of the great things that you see and want to see. The Bible says that that God inhabits the praises of His people. So as we praise our kids and praise our wife and just spend time just giving them affirmation, I promise you, you cannot give them enough affirmation from what the world will take out of them."

Links From Today's Conversation * The Men & Ladies of Honor Website * Video of Honor Explained * Image of Father & Son Puzzle

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Marquess Dennis Sr., the executive director of Birthright Living Legacy. Birthright Living Legacy creates a community for fathers to meet and connect while having a safe place to be a part of their children’s lives. We discuss the history behind the organization, what drives Marquess not only to be a good father to his children, but also to help all fathers, and what children need from both parents to be their best selves. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * God chooses the most unlikely people to show His glory. * Choosing, with intention, to be present with you children, even for 10 minutes. * When we live out loud and share our testimony we allow others to experience the Father. * You're seen, you're heard, you're valuable, & you're responsible.

Marquess Dennis Marquess' mission is to validate the position of Fathers within the family unit. By providing programs to foster improved communication, connectivity, and community, our network of Fathers will benefit from a deep level of support and accountability as they embark on their journeys of leadership and Fatherhood. By connecting Fathers through community events, improving parent-child relationships through workshops, providing support and counseling to families. We are a fatherhood celebrations and support organization.

Key Quotes * 11:16 - "He encouraged me to live out loud because we are not able to fully live in what He has for us if we're ashamed of what He brought us through. And the words of our testimony is how the captives are set free. And if we are not willing to live out our testimony to say, Hey, this is what happened to me, this is where I was, and these were all the excuses I had to fail. But, but God." * 17:42 - "[Our core beliefs are] you're seen, you're heard, you're valuable, but you're also responsible. That is the core of what we are. Whether your family unit believes in the hierarchy of God or not, you better believe you are still responsible. The court systems will prove it. The way that the world works will prove it, you are still responsible. And most of the guys want to be the man in charge, they want to be head, they want to say, let's read this verse where it says submit. And they don't want to read the verses after that says, Well, you have to submit to because we're the first wives, God said, we have to submit to Jesus. We have to say He's coming back for His bride. We are that bride. And if we are not good wives or good stewards of that relationship, how on earth can we expect others to honor it the same?"

Links From Today's Conversation * Birthright Living Legacy Website

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Chris Horvath obeyed the calling on his life to live in the depths of poverty, with his family, while navigating loving and serving a community that was destroyed by hurricane Ian. He, along with his wife, Sarah, and 4 children, are diving into the community to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation

Key Takeaways * When you find yourself at a place of, God’s got this, you’re more prone to life in your calling. * Finding the pace of Peace is vital for the family unit when life and circumstances get hard. * When our children can learn to be comfortable in the uncomfortable, that’s when ministry and meaningful relationships form.

Links From Today's Conversation * Learn about Volunteering with Adventures in Missions * Full Transcript of the Conversation * The Horvath's Blog * Support the Horvath's

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Four years ago, Larry Ross asked his grown son, Harrison, for forgiveness. As a result, Harrison Ross began his own journey toward healing. In Part 2 of this courageous conversation, Larry and Harrison explore how fathers can experience redemption, discover their true identity, and model life to their kids. Full SHOW NOTES for Today's Conversation

Key Takeaways * When you lay your hurt and burdens at the feet of your Heavenly Father, you create a ripple effect of courage for your children to do the same. * The sin of passivity can be more destructive to your family than many other sins. * Your words have a lasting impact, so speak truth over your children intentionally. * Anyone can do your job, but you are the only one who can be a husband to your wife and a father to your kids.

Larry Ross & Harrison Ross Larry Ross is the Founder and CEO of A. Larry Ross Communications (ALRC). He has more than 45 years of PR experience representing over 2,000 clients, including evangelist Billy Graham, Pastor Rick Warren, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and more. Larry has been married to his wife, Autumn, for 38 years.

Harrison Ross is the oldest of Larry’s three sons. He is a graduate of Baylor University and former pastor in the DFW area. Harrison and his wife, Hunter, have four young children and live in Rockwall, Tx. Harrison and his family love spending time together making memories and loving their neighbors.

Key Quotes * 8:27 - "As I recollected and was thinking through that memory was so sweet to watch Jesus wearing my dad's coat. Bearing this weight that I had borne for so long. Wearing that with me, bearing my burdens. And and through that moment, just giving me freedom to lay that at his feet and to not just feel like I have to wear my dad's clothes, but now to be clothed in the goodness and grace of my heavenly Father, clothed in his humility and righteousness, and to walk in his ways. And so it's just been really sweet to watch the Lord redeem those moments and bring us closer together." * 12:17 - "There was a sin of passivity in both sides of our family. And it's sin. It is the sin of the garden. And it's it is more destructive than some of those explicit things because it's a sin of the heart. And I've watched I've watched those chains not only break in my dad, but in my own life. And I think then that will have resounding impact, exponential impact on our family."

Links From Today's Conversation * Larry Ross' Website

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Few fathers are brave enough to ask their grown children for forgiveness. But that’s precisely the conversation Larry Ross had with his son, Harrison. Now, the two men provide a powerful dual perspective about the impact of a father’s choices and how those decisions influence generations to come. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * In some respects, grandchildren give us the opportunity for a do-over. * Many men resolve not to do what their fathers did. But we also need to resolve to do the things our fathers didn’t do. * The role of a father is to encourage, which literally means to fill our children with courage. * Pray intentionally for your children’s friends and for the people who will lead your children to Christ. * As fathers, we have to own our mistakes.

Larry Ross & Harrison Ross Larry Ross is the Founder and CEO of A. Larry Ross Communications (ALRC). He has more than 45 years of PR experience representing over 2,000 clients, including evangelist Billy Graham, Pastor Rick Warren, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and more. Larry has been married to his wife, Autumn, for 38 years.

Harrison Ross is the oldest of Larry’s three sons. He is a graduate of Baylor University and former pastor in the DFW area. Harrison and his wife, Hunter, have four young children and live in Rockwall, Tx. Harrison and his family love spending time together making memories and loving their neighbors.

Key Quotes * 16:53 - "There are a lot of guys who resolve early on, I'm not going to do what my dad did and I'm not going to be that guy. I think very few men resolve to say the opposite and say, I'm going to do what my dad didn't. And that's what I watched you do growing up and that you did for me, even amidst your own pain in pathology and figuring out your own demons and hurt that you had, you determined to say, I never heard I love you or I'm proud of you, so every time I can, I'm going to tell my kids, I love you and I'm proud of you." * 21:07 - "Learning from my dad, both my parents, they just were encouragers and cheerleaders. It was never, Hey, you need to fit this box, you need to do this thing, this is the person you're going to be, grow into it. It's a, How can we give you opportunities to explore who it is that God would have you be? You are His masterpiece made in His image for good works that He's prepared beforehand to walk in them. So it's more like archeology to uncover and discover who He's made me to be, so that I can then, with my kids, help them discover."

Links From Today's Conversation * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Larry Ross' Website

Connect with dadAWESOME * Learn about our FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS events in 2023: https://f4f.bike/ * Follow @dadawesome on Instagram * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME (tax-deductible) * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Twenty years ago, Kris Vallotton had a vision about how his actions led to prosperity for his generations 100 years later. Since that day, he’s lived his life from the perspective of eternity. His revelations empower other parents to do the same. Full SHOW NOTES for today's conversation Key Takeaways * You can affect your future generations that are yet to be born. * If you want to find a spiritual father, learn to be a son who can take direction and correction. * When you discipline your child’s attitude, you can help them avoid destructive actions.

Kris Vallotton Kris Vallotton is the Founder and President of Moral Revolution, the Co-Founder of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, and the Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California. He is an international speaker, bestselling author, prophetic voice, and spiritual father to this generation. Kris has been married to his wife Kathy since 1975, and they have four children and ten grandchildren.

Key Quotes * 23:17 - "Being a son and learning how to be a son, learning how to be teachable, humble, how to be a joy, how to be a joy to Father. We have a generation, right now, that's been raised by their machines and internet. They know their fantasy football team better than they know their reality God and the reality Father. We're in a generation that, honestly, I don't know if we naturally know how to be sons and daughters because we've been raised in this global orphanage of even if we have dads and moms, we're often disconnected, live in our bedroom and live on the internet. * 24:54 - "When your father's missing or not available, what happens is that you don't know who you are because your dad's the one who's primarily, obviously, mom has a role, a complete role, but dad is the primary identifier of his children."

Conversation Links * Full Transcript of the Conversation * Kris' Website * Kris' Book: Uprising * Kris' Blog

Links from dadAWESOME * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Make me passionate and wholehearted to fulfill Your every wish so that I'll never have to be ashamed of myself. -Psalm 119:80 Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * Jeff Zaugg: [00:04:02] "It is still the norm, as I chat with people who are grandparents, someone in their sixties and seventies eighties to say, Man, I missed it, I wish I would have spent more intentionality pursuing the hearts of my kids. Man, I missed it, I didn't put enough focus on my marriage in that season. I put too much focus on generating assets and wealth, not enough focus on being a dad. So guys, that's what I think of so that I'll never be ashamed of myself, I just know that this is a possible area for shame to come into our hearts." * Kiva Zaugg: [00:10:12] " [God's love] is like when a waterfall comes down, you feel like a mist coming from when you're even when you're not under the waterfall, you still can get wet." * Jeff Zaugg: [00:11:09] "So if we can step under the love of God, if the dads can do that, experience the love of God, experience healing and forgiveness and experience all God's heart for them. Then those dads, the mist, as you called it, the mist can get off of them and their kids can feel it." * Jeff Zaugg: [00:16:26] "I'm confident that dadAWESOME does not exist without you. I'm confident that just about every part of my leadership is made better, stronger, more effective, more fruitful because of you." * Michelle Zaugg: [00:19:39] "I think we're a good team because I tend to want to work on it, get feedback on things that I'm doing, or just things as a family, be more hesitant to just go do something. And so I think that's why we are a good team because you love to just go do it. And I have a little bit more of a wanting to critique it and make it better." * Jeff Zaugg: [00:21:53] "I would take a prayer day and listen for God's voice. And what happened is because of that change and the extended timeline of doing kids ministry, leading as a kids pastor, I believe I saw from that perspective all these dads that we were offering nothing, as a church, we weren't offering anything for tools, or resources." * Jeff Zaugg: [00:25:23] "One thing I admire about you, Michelle, and how you hear from God's voice is you can see things many times before I do and you actually saw like this passion within me to help in this area of intentional fatherhood, help dads experience the love of their Heavenly Father and bring that love with their full hearts to their kids." * Jeff Zaugg: [00:27:13] "I believe that all of us dads can pay more attention to man, where is God stoking up more fire, more or less like or passion. And that is often the primary way I hear God's voice." * Michelle Zaugg: [00:31:12] "So even when it was super hard, even that first day that we left was like crazy hard. Like when we've had hard things, it's been like, Well, we know that God made a way for us to do that. And so it's given confidence, even getting through some of the challenges."

Conversation Links * Once a Month Pray Day

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Take your dissatisfaction, increase your vision to create your next steps. * Teach your children to be interested before interesting. * KNOW your kids so you can LEAD your kids. * When you're over productive and under present you lose influence with those closest to you. * Five Gears + First gear: Recharge + Second gear: Connect + Third gear: Social + Fourth gear: Multi-tasking + Fifth gear: Focus

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jeremie Kubicek & Will Kubicek Jeremie Kubicek is a powerful communicator, serial entrepreneur and content builder. He creates content used by some of the largest companies around the globe found in the books he has authored: The 100X Leader, 5 Voices, 5 Gears and the National Bestseller, Making Your Leadership Come Alive. His new book, The Peace Index, releases in October of 2022. Jeremie is the Co-Founder of GiANT, a company that certifies coaches and consultants that serve companies and their employees. Jeremie has started over 20 companies while living in Oklahoma City, Moscow, Atlanta and London.

Will Kubicek, son of Jeremie, is the Co-Founder of Six Summers and managing director of the Farmstead.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 5:02 - "When your vision is high enough, you'll have hope to do something, but if your vision is too low, then the dissatisfaction can lead to depression, hopelessness, frustration. And then that gives you a game plan. It's called The Change Equation." * 31:03 - "Jesus was a liberator. You can be a lion and a lamb, but if you're both, you're liberator. So it's really following the principles of Jesus and raising up, healing and casting out, rather than dominating or abdicating or protecting. It's really being intentional in the way you are, in the way you lead yourself, so that you can lead others."

Conversation Links * Jeremie's Website * The Five Voices Website * The Five Voices Assessment * Six Summers Website * The Peace Index * The Change Equation

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Showing grace in ALL areas of life, especially with our children. * Share what's going on in your life, don't isolate. * Our lives are a process. Fatherhood is a process. * Repent to your kids when a mistake has been made & let your children into your failures and successes. * YOU are a loved son of God.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Bob Hasson Bob Hasson is a businessman, Author, Consultant and Podcaster.

He is both the Founder and CEO of HPCI, a painting subcontractor, which he founded in 1978.

For over thirty years, he has been active as a consultant and board member for churches, ministries, nonprofits, and school boards.

He has authored Business of Honor with Danny Silk and Wired to Hear with Shawn Bolz. Bob currently co-hosts the Exploring the Marketplace Podcast with Shawn, which is in the top 100 of all Christian podcasts weekly.

He has been married for thirty three years to his wife, Lauren, and they have four children and two grandchildren.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * 8:27 - "One of the goals in my life is not to be compartmentalized. I want to be the same person that you see at church, at home, at work, at the grocery store. The same person." * 11:19 - "Having vital relationships with people who have the permission to speak into your life. Now, how do we get those? Most men that I talk to say I don't have any friends. I'm alone. I'm isolated. Nobody understands me. And I get it. I do get it. But, we have to take risks to figure out how to be in relationship with other men." * 17:39 - "There really aren't any shortcuts, but I'll give your listeners a little, they don't have to read the book, there's one shortcut, the shortcut is the pursuit of wisdom. Wisdom is the shortcut."

Conversation Links * Bob's Website * Bob's Books

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Lean into your child's imagination. * Getting into quiet places allows your brain to fully reset. * Freedom is only accessible through boundaries. * When we're closer to God we become better husbands & dads.

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Zac Ernst Zac Ernst is married to Amy Ernst. Together they have two beautiful children (Lindy & Finn). He loves inviting them into his passions for the wild, be it surfing, camping, or random bonfires on the beach. Zac is a waterman being a former Seal Beach Lifeguard, surfer, spearfisherman, and long-distance Stand up Paddler. A few years ago, he paddled solo across the Channel, from Catalina to Seal Beach, a total of 30 miles. Professionally, Zac is an entrepreneur in Fintech & Payments and enjoys bringing the Kingdom to the marketplace. He is also a Board Member and Elder for Garden Church. For the past six years, he has led a beach workout program for men called PURSUIT (formerly Savage Seals). God has led Zac to overcome bondage and limiting beliefs, enabling him to walk in new freedom and purpose. His call & desire is to share the Presence of God in practical ways that lead men into freedom. That mission is embodied through PURSUIT, a holistic roadmap to transformation.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 6:36 - "It's something that Amy and I have been intentional wanting to continue to lean in with the kids and just take full advantage of their imaginations. And so we've done it with both. And we said, we believe that Jesus has a specific place where you two can meet, in your imagination, that you can go any time you're scared. So if you have a scary thought, we're not there or or when we're there, you can ask Jesus to come and go to that place. So, I want you to ask Jesus for a picture, a beautiful place, something that is fun and imaginative, some place you'd like to go." * 20:44 - "For modern men, there's few opportunities for us to actually get into a place where we are fully dependent on God. And we need Him to sustain us. We need Him to pull us through, and those are all the highlights of my faith journey of being with Him, when I'm on the edge."

Conversation Links * Pursuit Website * Psalm 146

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Do the things your kids want to do. * We need to redefine the relationship with our phones. * When you put your phone down: + it becomes an equalizer for you and your kids. + bestows value on the people around you. + it become the reverse parental control. * Lets be dads who have shiny eyes and not glowing eyes from screens.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Joey Odom Joey recently relocated to Knoxville, TN from Atlanta with his wife and two kids. Prior to founding Aro, Joey was an executive in commercial real estate, and like Heath, realized his phone was distracting him from the most important thing in life - his family.

He's famous for saying, "When you change your relationship with your phone, you change your relationship with everyone around you, including yourself."

Joey is the heart behind Aro, and we can't call it a work day if he hasn't cried or made someone else cry.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 8:26 - "God just accepts us at our faults and He accepts all the idiosyncrasies. And so I think I've learned from that and I think I'm in the season right now that this input that I want to communicate to my kids as you are fully accepted by me. I don't think they've ever questioned love, but you are fully accepted, everything you do, I accept and you are mine." * 17:27 - "Our phones are the biggest source of distraction. I describe distraction is anything that gets in the way of your intentions. My intention is to be a great dad. My intention is when I speak with somebody to be the most present and engaged person they've ever spoken with. "

Conversation Links * Aro Website

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Our children look for, who we are on the home front, in their spouses. * Having a strong male figure in the home is vital to our gender identity. * How I choose to give, is a reflection of what I think about the Giver. * Are we a pleasure to be married to?

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Clarence Shuler Dr. Shuler is the President/CEO of BLR: Building Lasting Relationships. He’s been married to Brenda for over 37 years. They have three adult daughters. They conduct marriage, men’s, women’s, and singles seminars internationally. In 2020, FamilyLife presented Clarence and Brenda with FamilyLife Marriage Conference Speakers of the Year Award. Dr. Gary Chapman and he speak together at The Five Love Languages Marriage Conference, Date Night and Life- Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships events and have co-authored two books. Clarence speaks to youth, college students and singles about friendships, dating, biblical sex, pornography and sexting. His Maximizing Difference (diversity) training in high demand. He’s authored 10 books.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 07:07 - "What you and your wife do in your marriage is going to impact your kids to a third and fourth generation. So you're not just parenting your kids, you're actually parenting your unborn grandkids." * 14:51 - "I'm practicing this whole idea that if I'm going to be a pleasure to be married to, is not doing things for her that I want to do, when I want to do them, it's doing things for her that she wants or needs. That's what it's all about. And since we're talking about marriage, the other thing, that's revolutionized my marriage is that knowing how I treat Brenda is a reflection of how I'm loving God."

Conversation Links * Website * Book- Choose Greatness: 11 Wise Decisions That Brave Young Men Make * Dr. Shuler's Book Store

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Connect with brothers who think differently than you. * Surrounding our sons around the men who have impacted the way we live life. * It's not about failing, it's about what you do after the fail. * Get in touch with your own depravity: what you don't transfer, you transmit. * The only way you will get to joy is to climb to it.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Brook Mosser Brook and Elizabeth Mosser help lead Intentional with Phil and Diane as well as Pastor at Riverbend Church in Bend, OR. Elizabeth is Phil and Diane’s daughter, which makes Brook their son in law, which means they are all family learning to do this thing called life and relationships together. They reside in Bend, OR with their four children Duke (13), Scarlet (10), Birdie (6), and Sloane (4). Brook and Elizabeth are passionate about leadership, marriage and seeing their own four kids become all in disciples of Jesus and helping other’s do the same.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 25:06 - "Romans 12, think of yourself with sober judgment according to the faith given to you. Meaning, just realize that you might have some work to do and... that's really important because that's one of the only things that opens up the floodgates to what I would say next, which is, What you don't transform, you transmit." * 26:07 - "The funniest thing, when you read the Scriptures, in my personal opinion, is God never says in the Scriptures, all you need is me. You don't need anyone else. You only need me. He says you need me and the primary way He gives us examples to live that out is with other people and close deep relationships."

Conversation Links * Intentional * The Intentional Film Series * Raising Passionate Jesus Followers * The Primal Path

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Walking through valleys is where deep brotherhood is found. * True joy is on the other side of acceptance. * Think of yourself with sober judgement. * It's important to bring awareness to mental health, now more than ever.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Brook Mosser Brook and Elizabeth Mosser help lead Intentional with Phil and Diane as well as Pastor at Riverbend Church in Bend, OR. Elizabeth is Phil and Diane’s daughter, which makes Brook their son in law, which means they are all family learning to do this thing called life and relationships together. They reside in Bend, OR with their four children Duke (13), Scarlet (10), Birdie (6), and Sloane (4). Brook and Elizabeth are passionate about leadership, marriage and seeing their own four kids become all in disciples of Jesus and helping other’s do the same.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 8:36 - "The ministry piece that you're talking about, intentional is something I want to be, not something I always am. dadAWESOME is something that you want to be, but you're not always. And so it's kind of like, Hey, this is who I want to be, who I'm trying to live up to." * 17:07 - "What I mean by acceptance is that you, with the Holy Spirit and with Jesus present, you're sitting there saying, I see the pain, I see all this going on. And I say, Yes, Jesus, I accept it, and I'm going to ask for your power and grace today to love these people well. And I'm going to let this actually be something that you use to form me into a deeper person of faith."

Conversation Links * Intentional * Raising Passionate Jesus Followers * Intentional Podcast with Jerry Sittser: Part 1 * Intentional Podcast with Jerry Sittser: Part 2 * A Grace Disguised

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * The heart follows the habit. * Nothing, in the household, is normal, until it is. * Put conversation in simple places, like car rides, so we don't become people of absence. * Pause prayers before moments of discipline.

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Justin Earley Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author and speaker from Richmond, VA. He is married to Lauren and has four sons – Whit, Asher, Coulter and Shep.

He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature before spending four years in Shanghai, China, as a missionary. Justin got his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and he now runs his own business law practice in Richmond, Virginia at Earley Legal Group.

His book, The Common Rule – Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction, was published with InterVarsity Press in 2019. He frequently speaks at businesses and legal events on habits, technology and mental health; and at churches and conferences on habits, spiritual formation and parenting.

His second book, Habits of the Household – Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms, released with Zondervan in November of 2021.

Justin also writes fiction and poetry, and is working on a children's book.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 22:53 - "The idea of a pause prayers, before approaching a moment of discipline, have a short emphasis on short moment of prayer in your head, just to say, Lord, help me discipline this child like you discipline me, which is full of grace and truth, right? And it could just be Lord help, but some way of looking up to God before you look down at them so that you can be more like the God who parents you as you parent them." * 27:49 - "I want to step on that so much because the fact that you fight with your kids or your spouse is completely ordinary. That's what happens to everyone in every family, whether you reconcile with your spouse and your kids, it's completely unordinary, that's what barely ever happens. And that's why families often go the way they do, in dysfunction. So the question of a Christian household is not whether we fight, we all do, question of a Christian household is whether we reconcile to them the way God reconciles to us. You need habits for that."

Conversation Links * Justin's Website * The Earley Legal Group * The Common Rule * Habits of the Household

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * I can do hard things. * Choose joy, always. Be thankful, always. * If I trust Him then I trust His timing. * Dads, we set temperature and climate of the house.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Bart Scharrer Bart Scharrer lives in Costa Mesa, California with his wife Amy and two daughters: Allyson and Brooklynn. He serves as the Executive Pastor at Friends Church.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 19:49 - "Choose joy, always. Be thankful, always. So we're going to really live in that discipline of always, there's always something to be thankful for, which isn't just this pie in the sky, pretend like nothing bad is happening. It is the way through, though. It's the discipline that even in the midst of super hard, challenging, emotional, stressful, all that stuff is still there. But the way through what I've learned from practice, I learned from my wife in her modeling. And I think our kids just live in this now too, because we just practiced it for so many years, which is, oh, I'm going to start with gratitude. Gratitude is the way through." * 26:19 - "So I can speak about all these values, the practice of them, super hard. But I also learned on a spiritual level, that's where the battle is. Anything you set as a value in your life, whether it's your relationship with Jesus, your wife, your marriage, your kids, your work, the enemy wants to destroy that, especially when you declare, this is how we're going to live. He's going to go after that. And so it forces us to constantly be on guard. You don't have to be afraid of it, But we have to be ready for it." * 30:13 - "I think the second you're aware of, you're not in a good emotional place, then it is a matter of putting on. Taking the the lessons from Paul in his letters and saying, no, put on the clothing you want to be, whether you feel like it or not. That's the discipline, because discipline is just practice is keep practicing, keep practicing, keep practicing to be the person you want to be."

Conversation Links * Friends Church

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * I can do hard things. * Choose joy, always. Be thankful, always. * If I trust Him then I trust His timing. * Dads, we set temperature and climate of the house.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Bart Scharrer Bart Scharrer lives in Costa Mesa, California with his wife Amy and two daughters: Allyson and Brooklynn. He serves as the Executive Pastor at Friends Church.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 19:49 - "Choose joy, always. Be thankful, always. So we're going to really live in that discipline of always, there's always something to be thankful for, which isn't just this pie in the sky, pretend like nothing bad is happening. It is the way through, though. It's the discipline that even in the midst of super hard, challenging, emotional, stressful, all that stuff is still there. But the way through what I've learned from practice, I learned from my wife in her modeling. And I think our kids just live in this now too, because we just practiced it for so many years, which is, oh, I'm going to start with gratitude. Gratitude is the way through." * 26:19 - "So I can speak about all these values, the practice of them, super hard. But I also learned on a spiritual level, that's where the battle is. Anything you set as a value in your life, whether it's your relationship with Jesus, your wife, your marriage, your kids, your work, the enemy wants to destroy that, especially when you declare, this is how we're going to live. He's going to go after that. And so it forces us to constantly be on guard. You don't have to be afraid of it, But we have to be ready for it." * 30:13 - "I think the second you're aware of, you're not in a good emotional place, then it is a matter of putting on. Taking the the lessons from Paul in his letters and saying, no, put on the clothing you want to be, whether you feel like it or not. That's the discipline, because discipline is just practice is keep practicing, keep practicing, keep practicing to be the person you want to be."

Conversation Links * Friends Church

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Wilderness is a necessity for every human being. * Masculine heart was meant to risk. * When the Son is ready, the Father appears. * The hardest and gladdest thing in the world is to cry out, Father from a whole heart.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Morgan Snyder Morgan Snyder is a strategist, entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and speaker. His passion is to both be shaped by and shape the men and women who are shaping the kingdom of God. In 2010, he established BecomeGoodSoil.com, a fellowship of leaders whose global reach offers guidance for the narrow road of becoming the kind of person to whom God can confidently entrust the care of his kingdom. He serves on the executive leadership team of Wild at Heart and Ransomed Heart Ministries, having served alongside John and Stasi Eldredge for more than two decades. Morgan goes off the grid every chance he gets, whether bow hunting in the Colorado wilderness or choosing the adventurous life with his greatest treasures: his wife, Cherie; his son, Joshua; and his daughter, Abigail.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 12:43 - "Wilderness and nature is part of design for soul... there are elements like just simply a man submitting himself to a world that he doesn't control, that that he is exposed, that he is in need, that there's something bigger than him. There's humility. There's awe. There's the way things work that's essential for every man, his version of it." * 22:36 - "So often, it's actually the condition of the orphan that's blocking the radical love of the Father, the pursuit of the Father, the ongoing efforts of the Father to intervene."

Conversation Links * Website: Become Good Soil * Book: Becoming a King: The Path To Restoring The Heart Of A Man * Podcast: Become Good Soil

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Our greatest hero should be us, ten years from now. * Process is the point. * Freedom begets freedom. Life begets life. Repentance begets repentance. * I have enough, I am enough, God, You are more than enough. * If you want to find God, His address is at the end of your rope.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Morgan Snyder Morgan Snyder is a strategist, entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and speaker. His passion is to both be shaped by and shape the men and women who are shaping the kingdom of God. In 2010, he established BecomeGoodSoil.com, a fellowship of leaders whose global reach offers guidance for the narrow road of becoming the kind of person to whom God can confidently entrust the care of his kingdom. He serves on the executive leadership team of Wild at Heart and Ransomed Heart Ministries, having served alongside John and Stasi Eldredge for more than two decades. Morgan goes off the grid every chance he gets, whether bow hunting in the Colorado wilderness or choosing the adventurous life with his greatest treasures: his wife, Cherie; his son, Joshua; and his daughter, Abigail.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 07:22 - "One of the great dangers that most men miss is they marry desire to fulfillment. They assume, and often, this is subconscious because it's so plays to our DNA, our design as men, they get a desire and then they run with it. We run with it, I run with it and we don't pass because we don't have the miles of knowing the consequence of it going bad... desire is intended to be the fuel for doing the hard work, the brutal, slow process of becoming the kind of man that can fulfill that desire." * 12:57 - "That actually when we rush the process, what we do is just hijack the thing that God's doing and so it comes back again because our Father is generous and reluctant, the Holy Spirit is faithful to guide and redeem, everything for good. So, even if it goes completely sideways, not all is lost... as we grow in kingdom, authority and kingdom just reality of what and who were entrusted with, the consequences are much higher."

Conversation Links * Website: Become Good Soil * Book: Becoming a King: The Path To Restoring The Heart Of A Man * Podcast: Become Good Soil

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * No matter how great we are, we are going to fail. * Teaching our children how to navigate failure by showing them how we navigate it. * Vulnerability is an opportunity. * Becoming a man is a journey, not a moment. * What's needed from men/sages is not information but presence.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Chris Bruno There is nothing more exciting to me than the intersection of transformation and adventure. This is why I founded Restoration Counseling – a place where we daily engage the power of restoration and epic re-storying. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in men and masculinity, sexual addiction, trauma and abuse. My experience as a men’s therapist and my work with men at Restoration Project provide me a wealth of experience when navigating the landscape of a man’s heart.

As I work with clients, my focus is on discovering and “reading” the narrative of their lives and guiding them toward the transformation that comes through adventurously and honestly engaging our sorrows AND our glories. This, to me, is what I was created for.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 12:02 - "Teaching them how to navigate, is to show them how I navigate it and what I do with my flat tire and what I do with my explosion and how I recover from that. I am in the midst of that. What I learn from that. And then how I move on." * 21:09 - "It was the elder season of a man's life that they considered the pinnacle of manhood. That it wasn't when he was when he became a father, wasn't when he was the king or the warrior or any of those other stages of a man's life, it was when he was the elder, or the sage. And the reason for that is because if he is an elder, than he is a pylon of society, that when there is a society full of sages, there is groundedness, there is containment, there is wisdom, there is guidance, there is an unflappability to who he is. There is a generous hospitality that he exudes around him. There is a subtle-ness to a sage. And when sages don't exist in society, that's where we get all the opposites of that." * 36:13 - "There's so few sages that probably one of the best things that you could do is to be around other men who are pursuing sage. Because there's something there about the camaraderie of men that when we are pursuing sage together, even if we don't know what it is and what it looks like, if we have intention to go there, we're going to find our way."

Conversation Links * Restoration Counseling * Restoration Project * Book - Man Maker Project * Book - Brotherhood Primer * Book - Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage * Episode 196: Part 1 with Chris * Episode 197: Part 2 with Chris

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618"

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Key Takeaways * Get alone, once a month, sit with Jesus, and cast all stress and worries on Him. * Stay close to Jesus. He covers all of your shortcomings. * The one thing we want from our kids: RELATIONSHIP * When fathers sit with the Father, it changes atmospheres.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Gabe Klaas & Kevin Klaas Kevin Klaas began his career in the financial services industry in 2002 as a personal wealth manager for an independent financial services firm. He then became a regional manager with a captive insurance agency with a national footprint. After experiencing the financial industry from both the financial adviser and insurance agent perspectives, David noticed a middle ground of opportunity with several sophisticated solutions that neither group specialized in nor understood. He set out to establish a firm that would work alongside both disciplines and complement each of them in providing solutions that neither of them could provide alone.

Gabe Klaas is the son of Kevin and Jennie Klaas, the oldest of 6 kids, and running fast after Jesus. He appreciates the lessons and how his parents have modeled following Jesus in their lives. He is currently interning at Jyra Films.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 4:36 - "He is very good at getting done with a long day of work, coming home and... naturally gets a second wind. I would tend to think that he's probably learned how to, not force it... But most days he can come home from a long day of work... and if mom's had a long day realized very quickly and just kind of kick into dad, fun mode." -Gabe Klaas * 9:29 - "My prayer for him, and all my kids, is that they'll be present. So I hope that, they'll be walking with Jesus number one and that they'll walk with him in a way where they're not being run by the world. They're being run by, by Jesus. And His plan for our life is not that we are striving and stressed all the time... I want them to be present. And I want them to be able to pass on the spiritual legacy that we're trying to pass on to them now, to their kids." -Kevin Klaas * 13:18 - "The older I get, the more I recognize my own ineptness and faults and shortcomings in various areas. And what I feel like covers all is, is God and Jesus. And so stay close with Him and He covers, He covers all the shortcomings."

Conversation Links * Gabe's Youtube Channel * Kevin's Business: Monarch Solutions

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Envision your goals and continually learn. * Our children follow what they see: Model Well. * Relationship trumps everything. * Remain in a posture of on your knees.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Gabe Klaas & Kevin Klaas Kevin Klaas began his career in the financial services industry in 2002 as a personal wealth manager for an independent financial services firm. He then became a regional manager with a captive insurance agency with a national footprint. After experiencing the financial industry from both the financial adviser and insurance agent perspectives, David noticed a middle ground of opportunity with several sophisticated solutions that neither group specialized in nor understood. He set out to establish a firm that would work alongside both disciplines and complement each of them in providing solutions that neither of them could provide alone.

Gabe Klaas is the son of Kevin and Jennie Klaas, the oldest of 6 kids, and running fast after Jesus. He appreciates the lessons and how his parents have modeled following Jesus in their lives. He is currently interning at Jyra Films.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * 5:11 - "I've told my parents this multiple times, but the biggest thing that I think I've seen in them that's a standout is they just continually learn. Like it really doesn't matter where you're at, if you can kind of get a vision for where you want to go and then just keep learning, you can get there." * 10:18 - "There's the practical things we do devotions a few times a week as a family and we get up and start off our day with prayer, worship and reading of the word. But then, then there's modeling it."

Conversation Links * Gabe's Youtube Channel * Kevin's Business: Monarch Solutions

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Fathers have spiritual authority to protect their families. * As a father, clean up your own sins. * Talk about sexuality in your home. * Men need friendships that have intimacy and vulnerability. * God, He does things.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Lowell Seashore Lowell lives with his awesome and wonderful wife Susie, no kids of their own (but they have had 32 foster teenage boys) near Minneapolis, MN. His passion for coaching was developed as he coached varsity soccer for Orono High School for 14 years and then 3 years coaching a Nordic Combined skier in two Winter Olympics and one World Cup. Then he turned his coaching passion to young men to mentor them in how to live free from sin and bondage. He personally coaches, mentors, and disciples young men.

He also loves Jeeping, hiking and generally playing in the mountains and spending as much time as possible at the world headquarters for DMU. (A cabin in the mountains of Colorado)

He is personally submitted to Jesus Christ and committed to making disciples who become spiritual warriors for Christ.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * 09:51 - "I just pray. The best youth work ever did, I pray, they show up." * 14:33 - "After a while, I got real tired of wussy Christians. I mean, it's sad. We're all commanded to make disciples, and we do a really poor job of making disciples. We think it's, to me, it was like disciple making wasn't a list of things you have to learn about or a program. You know, if it was if I was going to make disciples, I had to share my life with them and they could see how I live and that's a bigger point." * 15:29 - "The most important thing I would love to tell fathers is that the spiritual authority that they have in the home is not to boss people around or be an authority like we think of it. Spiritual authority is to protect their family. If he's protected really well in that way he has a lot of spiritual authority to protect his children so that Satan doesn't have the legal rights to go add his kids through the father."

Conversation Links * Dangerous Men Website * Dangerous Men Shop

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Find moments of GLEE with your kids * God reaches down to us like a father excitedly reaches down to his kids after a long day at work * Follow the cloud...explore the mystery * Find ways to teach your kids generosity at an early age * Community is key...community of people who will hold you up and will pray

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jay Bennett Jay Bennett has been married to his wife, Sally, for 51 years and has three grown sons, three daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren. Professionally, Jay led a “parallel career” of practicing law and engaging in a wide variety of business transactions in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis), domestically, and internationally for the past 40 years while also leading a Christian foundation serving Christian ministries for 35 years.

To integrate his passions to see the Lord’s resources flow generously into high-impact ministries, Jay founded National Christian Foundation Twin Cities in 2000, a Christian Community Foundation and NCF affiliate. He serves on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards including service as Chairman of the National Christian Foundation.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * 23:22 - "There's a joy and there's a freedom in becoming a more generous person, generous living, including generous giving. Because as we embark in that direction, as we ascend toward what he calls us to be and in how he calls us to serve, he descends to meet us. And so it's a mutual journey toward intimacy that gets better and better." * 33:47 - "So to allow the Prince of peace to invade our lives and make us better husbands and fathers is something that can be a tough experience, but it's also something that just makes us much better people."

Conversation Links * National Christian Foundation

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618 * dadAWESOME RV Tour

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Key Takeaways * God has purpose for your children. * Take responsibility, for what steps you need to take, to meet your next goal. * Create traditions with your family. * Write your goals down and share them with someone you trust. * We can't tell our children to do anything we won't do.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Danny Vega Danny grew up in Miami, Florida has been interested in nutrition and fitness from a young age. He received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and was a member of the football team and a three-time Dean’s List recipient. He then received his Master’s of Science in Human Performance from the University of Florida, where he worked with multiple athletic programs. He went on to become the Strength & Conditioning coordinator for VCU basketball, helping the Rams win the 2007 conference championship and making it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Vega family uses there platform, Fat Fueled Family, to educate their audience on the importance of nutrition and using your body for good.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 12:21 - "I just think of King Hezekiah.... give me some more time... and there were people interceding... we see when when people intercede, things change. God shows His mercy." * 14:47 - "We always tell people when it comes to their health and the way they eat, we're not trying to force them to eat perfectly. We're trying to educate them. We also we put them in an environment where they're going to win." * 31:52 - "If you do not keep your word to yourself, it creates a vicious cycle and it makes it easier and easier. And then you have self-loathing. You think you're a terrible person because you ate the wrong thing or you didn't do something. And that's just in my mind, that's the enemy whispering in people's ear."

Conversation Links * The Fat Fueled Family Website * Fat Fueled Family Podcast episodes: 1-3, 4 and 5 * Fat Fueled Family Blog

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618 * dadAWESOME RV Tour

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Key Takeaways * Fathers are essential and important to the home. * Discipleship is a long term walk. * When we are blessed with surplus we should freely give that to others. * Pay attention to history. * Misconstruing intent can destroy marriage.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Korey "XROSS" Dean XROSS is a Louisville, KY native. XROSS is most notably known for his relevant approach to engaging urban culture through messages of hope and faith. As a leader in the Global Christian Hip Hop Movement, XROSS is featured in Christopher “PLAY” Martin’s blockbuster film “Holy Hip Hop”.

Through his record label, 1 Way Entertainment, many of XROSS’ songs are featured in the Oxygen hit TV series Preachers of LA, Detroit and Atlanta. The mayor and City of Minneapolis has also endorsed and partnered with XROSS to write and produce inspirational music and videos to address youth violence prevention. XROSS’ passion for youth and ministry has led him to earn a BS degree in Youth Studies and Sociology from the University of Minnesota.

Korey “XROSS” Dean designed and developed the Man-Up Club after serving as a student advocate to more than 500 African American High School students. As a result of observing and researching the behavior and practical needs of African American students, he developed a curriculum and program to address the specific needs of the African American males students.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * [00:13:47] "Discipleship is all about the long term walk... I don't think that that's something that ever ends. I don't think you ever had a point where you're just discipled... I think it's a progression. * [00:15:13] "Like the Bible says one can plant, one can water, but it's really God that gives the increase. And I, simply just planted by me doing hip hop music."

Conversation Links * The Man Up Club * 1 Way Entertainment * Sis N Lil Bro Spotify * TRIBL Records

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618 * dadAWESOME RV Tour

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Key Takeaways * Our kids have their own rescue stories and songs of gratitude. * Remember Him and never forgetting Him. * Loving our spouse and children, when they're hardest to love, allows them to experience love of Jesus. * When we walk in obedience, our kids benefit from our story. * Let your kids see your need for God and recognize when you need to ask for forgiveness.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Tom Bell Tom is President and CEO of Bell Lumber and Pole, a 5th generation, family-owned company. Bell Lumber and Pole started with the founder, M.J. Bell, more than 110 years ago. Since then, the Bell family has maintained its small-business values: commitment to excellence, drive for continuous improvement, and dedication to delivering customized wood products that exceed the expectations of their customers. Tom is passionate about the family unit and keeping Jesus at the forefront of life.

Key Quotes (Full transcript of Conversation Here) * 13:27 - "Being open to the hot mess that we are is, I think, he'd see that in that transparency, there's a safety around that...it leaves them more inclined not to feel like they're alone when they'll have to look at their brokenness because they're going to be full of it, too." * 18:16 - "There's this rhythm of remembering Him, which is a big part of what this experience was with the kids, the rescue story, song of gratitude. And then, do not forget Him, because it guards us from being prideful, thinking it's us when it's not."

Conversation Links * Bell Lumber and Pole * dadAWESOME Vision, Prayer and Fundraising Night

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Presence, with our children, is so much bigger than we realize. * We will do our absolute best, in parenting, and leave the rest to God. * Our story is their story. * Life is a gift, not owed to us. * Your legacy IS your spouse and your kids.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jeremiah Curran Jeremiah Curran is lead pastor of Westbridge Church in St. Michael, Minnesota. Westbridge Church is a non-denominational, inter-generational church started by 12 friends in 2007. Westbridge desire is to be a safe place for regular people to explore faith in community. Jeremiah is passionate about his family, health, and bringing people to Jesus.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * 07:10 - "Every time you say yes to something, you just say no to something else. So it's factoring in which things, which things are the most important, what are the big priorities." * 10:04 - "We want them to trust and follow Jesus with their life. And then we want them to want to be around us and each other when they don't have to be." * 12:58 - "A family that loves being together, wants to be close to each other. So I'm imagine you're making more memories versus hustling with agendas of to do list in the evenings now." * 45:48 - "Here's your legacy, your spouse and your kids. He said, those people, those people, your life is going to make a thousand times more of an impact on your spouse and your kids than the people you pastor, the people that are part of your church, any leadership thing you ever do, like they see you from afar."

Conversation Links * Westbridge Church * Story of Jeremiah's daughters wreck is shared within the first 6 min. of this message.

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Choose your wife well. * We can do things differently than our parents, not out of spite, but desiring to want what Jesus wants. * Bring real faith into your home and around your children. * The Holy Spirit and your parenting should allow your children to feel confident in their faith. * Rules without relationship equals rebellion. -Josh McDowell

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

John Odom Dr. John H.L. Odom, Jr. is a board-certified medical doctor who specializes in sports medicine and he founded Odom Health & Wellness back in 2006 in an effort to help people live life to their fullest potential. Ministry, medicine, and the mission field were all passions that came together to shape Dr. Odom’s entire career spanning the past 3 decades. Dr. Odom has a deep desire to help people through their entire lifespan, as well as a dedication to teaching future generations. Dr. Odom enjoys serving a large variety of patients, from inner city kids to Olympic athletes and everything in between. In his spare time, Dr. Odom enjoys spending time with his family, and practicing what he preaches by staying active participating in marathons, triathlons, cross country skiing and downhill skiing. In 2017 Dr. Odom completed his first Iron Man Triathlon putting him in an elite category of endurance athletes.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 13:05 - "And so that idea of making an organic... rhythm of your life is what I think we modeled through these ministries growing up in that what we aim to bring in our families... we make it every day, all that we did." * 20:55 - "There's a ton of parallels between the two (doing something physical and fatherhood.) You know, we could talk all day about these parallels. It does require a degree of toughness, at least a decision to be tough. You know, fathering is not for wimps. It's maybe one of the toughest challenges you'll have to do, but obviously the most worthwhile challenge you will also do." * 26:21 - "But what we're saying by inoculation is that it is good to give them one, a taste of the real thing, so real faith in your home. So that can grow, grow food in their heart. So one, give them a taste of the real thing, really practice what you preach... mentor and be that example. And then two... to expose them to things within your house, expose them to ideologies within your house, expose them to contrary thoughts within your house, bring people into your house who are not like you, who don't look like you, who don't think like you, who may not even act like you might not even like them."

Conversation Links * Odom Health and Wellness * The Coddling of the American Mind * Men of the Kingdom

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * You have to believe God wants to speak to you more than you even want to listen. * When you journal you are stirring up a prophetic gift. * Every time we hurry, we break things. Be Still. * God wants us to live life well. * When you journal you write down you history with the Father that you will have forever.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Ken Helser Ken and Linda co-lead, A Place for the Heart, with their son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Melissa Helser. Ken and Linda pour into the hearts of the students that come for the 18 Inch Journey. They are the original Cageless Birds as the first to explore their relationship with God through art. They continue to travel around the world ministering in Youth With A Mission Schools. Ken never would have believed all the good things that awaited them when he gave God his everything.

The greatest fruit of Ken and Linda’s life is family. Long ago, the Lord revealed to them that the foundation of their ministry began with family. This is true today and as Ken and Linda do everything they do out of the overflow of their love for family.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of Conversation Here) * 2:21 - "Well, as the Lord said to me one time... as long as you're following me, you will always be in transition. And what that means to me, is I am more deeply in love with my wife now, soon to be 56 years, than I've ever been. And the reason for it is 2nd Corinthians 5:17. If any man is in Christ, he's a new creation. And that means tomorrow morning when I wake up, I'm going to be married to a new creation." * 6:39 - "Jesus teaches what we should be but then He makes us what He teaches we should be. I cannot do it without Himself and that's where my dependency is more than it's ever been." * 16:59 - "I think the most important thing... I know that the hardest thing in the Christian life is to let God love you. And I believe the second hardest thing in the Christian life is to be still."

Conversation Links * A Place for the Heart * Cageless Birds * "No Longer Slaves" * 18 Inch Journey * Ken's Testimony * Ken on Hearing the Voice of the Father

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Vision doesn't become reality on the mountaintops but rather in the valleys. * When God promises he follows through, just not always on our timeline. * When it's built by faith it moves from information to revelation. * When you love your spouse in front of your children they will trust and believe you. * The key to communication is identification.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Ken Helser Ken and Linda co-lead, A Place for the Heart, with their son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Melissa Helser. Ken and Linda pour into the hearts of the students that come for the 18 Inch Journey. They are the original Cageless Birds as the first to explore their relationship with God through art. They continue to travel around the world ministering in Youth With A Mission Schools. Ken never would have believed all the good things that awaited them when he gave God his everything.

The greatest fruit of Ken and Linda’s life is family. Long ago, the Lord revealed to them that the foundation of their ministry began with family. This is true today and as Ken and Linda do everything they do out of the overflow of their love for family.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation) * 3:34 - "God takes us to mountaintop to give us a vision, but nothing is ever made reality on a mountaintop, there's rock up there, nothing grows. It always takes us in the valley for the dream and the vision to become reality." - Oswald Chambers * 4:51 - "I shouldn't be talking about them... it's not pride, I'm just so grateful. And the Lord said, It's okay, I brag about my Son all the time, and the Father brags on Jesus. And when our children have followed the Lord and done what they were created to find, what they were made for... Ephesians 1:3...He called before the creation of the world, He saw us and called us to become holy and blameless. If God called you to that, then He also called you with a destiny. And it's tragic that most young people today, many, many people today work jobs they cannot stand and they've never been able to do that one thing they were created for." * 7:25 - 'So many times when God gives you the vision, it's gonna happen, it's in the future, it will take place, but He doesn't tell you when, because it's not so much that I had a vision, God has to shape me into the place of the vision. It's what He has to do in me. Because one of the greatest things is for God to be able to give you something without what He gives you having you." * 17:29 - "The key to communication is identification... The greatest communicator in all the world is Jesus Christ. But his communication was slow, on the money, because he spoke the language of the people. When he spoke to women, he talked about yeast and bread. When he spoke to farmers, it was different soil conditions and what kind of crop. And fisherman, pearl of great price in the nets. And so he spoke the language of the people. And I think one of the key things and communicated with my children is being able to speak to their world and bring them into my world."

Conversation Links * A Place for the Heart * Cageless Birds * "No Longer Slaves" * 18 Inch Journey

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Empathy is a game changer. * Forgiveness causes ripple effects that we may never see. * Our emotions can be an enter sign for the internal work that we need to do or an exit sign for a situation that we need to get out of. * Sacrificial decisions are courageous decisions even if they don't make sense to others.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jason Romano Jason Romano is an author, speaker, and media professional with over 20 years of broadcasting experience. He is the Director of Media with Sports Spectrum and the host of the popular Sports Spectrum Podcast. For 17 years, he was an Emmy-Award winning Producer and Senior Manager at ESPN. He has created and produced content for shows such as SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, Mike and Mike in the Morning, Sunday NFL Countdown, College Gameday, NFL Live, MLB’s All Star Game and many more.

Sports Spectrum Article: Fathers For The Fatherless bike rides combine fundraising, fitness, fellowship, faith
(By Joshua Doering Jul 6, 2022) - linked here

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 6:54 - "It took that... deep, dark, low moment, rock bottom moment for my father, for me to see him completely differently than I ever saw him... Even though I knew about forgiveness, I understood it as far as Jesus and me... I needed to ask for forgiveness of my sins. I wasn't able to do that other part that Jesus talks about forgiving others who trespass against us... And that moment, that day, that low point, as I heard his voice on the phone, I saw my dad the way God sees him and me as his child. And I developed something that I never have from my dad before... Empathy is the great game changer and I never had empathy for my dad until that low moment. And that empathy led me to a point where I verbally finally said to him, Dad, I forgive you..." * 14:00 - "My brothers are amazing dads, so I watch them... I see how great of a dad that they both are and I think only God could do that. But the ripple effects of... ten total Romano kids that are going to hopefully see a different future than what we had to see because of God, but the decisions that thankfully we all, all three of us made to not go down the same path that our father did... I believe there's chain breaking and discipleship making." * 19:54 - "Though, my emotions are not always reality, I've learned that my emotions can point me toward reality, especially re-occurring emotions.... Our emotions can be an enter sign for the internal work that we need to do, we have to do, or an exit sign for a situation that we need to get out of."

Conversation Links * Jason's Book: The Uniform of Leadership & Live to Forgive * Jason's Website

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * There is much value and importance in keeping your spouse as your number 1. * Time spent with your children is something that you can never get back. * Be intentional with your time and prayer for and over your children.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jason Romano Jason Romano is an author, speaker, and media professional with over 20 years of broadcasting experience. He is the Director of Media with Sports Spectrum and the host of the popular Sports Spectrum Podcast. For 17 years, he was an Emmy-Award winning Producer and Senior Manager at ESPN. He has created and produced content for shows such as SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, Mike and Mike in the Morning, Sunday NFL Countdown, College Gameday, NFL Live, MLB’s All Star Game and many more.

 **Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here)** * 7:08 *- "*We're going to go through bad cycles as parents. We're going to go through bad cycles in our jobs. We're going to go through bad cycles in our marriage. Just in life, things are going to happen. I found to find abundant life, first of all, it's only found in Christ... He says, I've come to give you life and life more abundantly.... He is the Way, the Truth and the Life... Start with Jesus, which I think is an easy thing for me to say. It's not an always easy thing for me to just practically live out when life is coming at you.... Serving is a big thing... serving your kid... being there for [them]"

• 22:42 - "I need to go back to the to the Word of God and see that... I'm supposed to love my wife as, as God loves church. Love my bride, as God loves the church. And I haven't always done that perfectly. I've never not loved my wife, but I definitely didn't always have her as the only number one in my life."
• 28:58 - "One of my highlights in my life was when she was ten years old, I got to baptize my daughter in our church.... I really have no desire or worry about what she's going to end up being as long as Christ is at the center of her life. That's the only thing I really pray for and hope is that she follows Jesus for the rest of her life."

Conversation Links * Jason's Book: The Uniform of Leadership & Live to Forgive * Jason's Website

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618

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Key Takeaways * Doing something stretching and challenging with your child can bring a closeness and bond that can only grow for years to come. * Repetition and patience in fatherhood shows intention and presence. * The window of time we get with our children is slowly closing. Be mindful of the trade-offs. * The Four Smart Choices: + Confront reality + Grow capacity + Fuel curiosity + Create change

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Mark Miller For the last 20 years, Mark has focused much of his time on serving leaders, helping them grow themselves, their teams, and their organizations. In addition to his role at Chick-fil-A, he's also had the privilege to teach and lead in not-for-profit organizations domestically and globally. Although the context is different in every organization, the problems have common roots and so do the solutions. Along the way, Mark has been fortunate to author (and co-author) a few books – nine and counting. Today, more than a million books are in print in 25+ languages. His approach to writing has always been to find what is true in principle and figure out how to make it applicable to the real world.

Conversation Notes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 9:48 - Mark describing his son's, David, diagnosis, Cerebral Palsy and Autism and how he supports his wife with the challenges that can bring on, "I'm always trying to figure out how can I serve her as she serves him... My advice, again, is a lot of prayer for sure... I'm trying to take care of her on the journey as much as I'm trying to take care of David." * 14:42 - "I've prayed a lot more and I've served a lot more... I'm a better human being, a better husband, a better follower of Jesus... I'm better all the way around because of David... I get to live with a glimpse of unconditional love. Because David, he's never, this side of heaven, going to tell us he loves us. But that's okay. You know we love him." * 17:29 - Mark on his adventures with his other son, Justin. "We decided years and years ago that we wanted to try to do something every year that would stretch us and challenge us. And he has come up with some of the ideas. I've come up with some of the ideas... We've climbed mountains and became certified scuba divers... run a marathon... We just we want to keep growing. We want to keep stretching. We want to do hard things together and grow through the experience." * 23:29 - "You've got a pretty small window when you really think about it with your kids... There's plenty of time in my case to sell chicken, later. There's plenty of time to write books, later. But that window is going to close... I hope to be and God willing, will be close to Justin and David forever. But even those opportunities are limited, and that makes them more precious to me... We've got to be real careful about the trade offs we make." * 26:40 - "It's our ability to make choices. That's our superpower... They're completely paralleled with fatherhood. The choices that leaders make to get out of the quicksand, a busyness and distraction and complexity and competing priorities and success and fear and fatigue and aimlessness... What you have to do to get out are the same things... you have to do to be a good father." * 27:30 - "Choices give us agency, choices give us opportunity and choices give us responsibility." * 29:06 - "We can forfeit that agency and assume a victim mindset. Our locus of control shifts from internal to external. It's not my fault. It's not my responsibility. It's not a result of my choices. And the stuff that keeps us in quicksand is almost always a result of our choices." * 34:41 - "Peter Drucker, the late management and leadership guru... said he had never met a leader that couldn't eliminate 25% of the things on their calendar and no one would notice."

Conversation Links * Mark's Website * Mark's Books: Smart Leadership, Win Every Day, Chess Not Checkers, Leaders Made Here, Talent Magnet, Win the Heart, The Secret, Great Leaders Grow and The Heart of Leadership. * Mark's son, Justin, organization: Untold * Mark's free assessment on Smart Leadership: text besmart to 66866 * Fathers for the Fatherless Biking Schedule

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"People are looking for purpose, but because their own needs seem so stark and so great, they don't get to it. It's a paradox that by focusing on other people's needs, you are going to find that your own needs will be met -- So, sometimes as parents it is important (wherever we are at) to say, 'Hey, let's go find a place to serve'"

Key Takeaways * Pray with your kids and teach them to pray * Serve with your kids * Make time to play with your kids - gives you a chance to build trust for later things * Take mom out on a regular date * Date your kids once a week * Give mom a break and take the kids out * Listen to the hearts of your children

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Seth Barnes Seth Barnes is founder and president of Adventures in Missions, a discipleship and missions ministry that has taken over 125,000 people on mission projects around the world since 1989. The mission of Adventures is to deeply connect people to Jesus and his movement. Their goal is to train 100,000 disciple makers focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. Adventures has ministry training centers around the world that are focused on making that goal a reality.

To move toward the fulfillment of the vision, Seth also founded the World Race in 2005. The World Race provides trained teams of young adults the opportunity to engage in 11 international mission contexts in 11 months using an experiential, missional discipleship model. Adventures emphasizes listening prayer, relationships, and servanthood in their work amongst the poor. Both through ministry/training centers and World Race ministry teams, Adventures maintains an active presence in a number of African countries. In addition to overseeing Adventures in Missions, Seth is a speaker, author, and prolific blogger. Seth is married to Karen. They have five children and seven grandchildren.

Conversation Notes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) * 4:51 - "But I just felt this sense of urgency to do something, whatever it is that I needed to do in terms of impact, in terms of discipleship, in terms of imparting the kingdom of God to my kids... I felt the leading to study the book of Acts and then try and do it." * 05:49 - "I just felt God saying, why don't you go and do this somewhere specific? And we prayed about it, ended up hearing Peru go to Peru and see if the Holy Spirit doesn't still heal people, see if he doesn't actually use you to plant churches... 22 total... guys and gals and we planted five churches. We saw so many healings, people that were dying of cancer, radically healed.... but just so fun to see my kids seeing that the Bible is true and it still applies now." * 8:44 - "I do think that we have to do business with our our older selves and say, how can I end my life without regrets? Maybe one of the biggest regrets, I think a lot of dads would have to not invest that kind of quality time where your kids can really see your heart." * 10:06 - "I remember when we moved... my wife saying, our kids need to serve more, they're becoming narcissistic. Maybe there's a little entitlement creeping in. So she would just take them to the local church and they would clean the toilets.... because we believe that service is important... Acts 1:8 where you begin in Jerusalem and then you go to what's neighboring in Judea and maybe something that's foreign some area and then to the ends of the earth... Begin just in your backyard and find ways to serve... there's so many needy people... just find a few that need a visit, need a human touch and start there." * 11:58 - "I would begin with identity to really help right size that and that's where I think a family on mission... where your purpose is greater than just entertainment. And if you're on mission, you're taking the perspective off of yourself and your own needs and putting it on somebody else. And there's a strange thing that happens when you do that... you become less preoccupied with your own inadequacy and identity begins to kind of fit together better..." * 12:37 - "But also we're so, self-focused that sometimes we never get out of that space and into a place of service of others... that's the first thing. The second thing would be community. And we think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the need of belonging... we need to belong to others and we need to connect with others... helping young people to connect on mission, I think is a beautiful way to help address that need and ultimately to go on mission and to find purpose beyond just again, meeting your own felt needs, important, but ultimately, you're not going to raise world changers if you're just looking at a belly button all the time." * 14:13 - "Sometimes as parents, if we begin wherever we're at... let's go find a small way to serve. When we were in Guatemala, there's a lot of trash around. So I would take the little five year old grandsons that I've got, and we go pick up trash for an hour... I just wanted to help them to see the needs that the community had." * 16:21 - "If I'm experiencing something that's life giving, I want to invite others to it... I'm just a beggar that's found a little bread that wants to let other beggars know where that bread is. And for me, I've found that young people and my own grandkids and my kids before them needed the opportunity to give out of their abundance." * 19:40 - "Wasn't until I was 31 years old and I'm at a marriage retreat when I actually hear the Lord say that he loves me and... when you hear the Lord speak in a way that it's so obvious, you know, and for that, that changed everything for me... I wanted my kids to have that same experience, to have that same possibility of connection. And what I found is we just need to create space. We just need to sit with them in the morning. And when I say create space, I'm talking about being quiet and asking a question and not answering the question, but letting Him in the silence show up." * 25:07 - "You go back and ask them about it and... to see the persistence of their faith now in their thirties... and to see them imparting it to their kids lets you know that this was worth it, that it's something that can last."

Conversation Links * Seth's Blog- Radical Living * Seths's Books - The Art of Listening Prayer and Kingdom Journeys * C. Peter Wagner's Book - Acts of the Holy Spirit * Adventures in Missions * The World Race

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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Key Takeaways * Acts of obedience can result in miracles, adventures, and boldness they've experienced as a family. * Transparent money management can be the best instruction for kids. What children learn from their parents is more "caught than taught." * The importance of being transparent with your children about finances far exceeds putting up a wall and believing it isn't beneficial. * It's beneficial for both spouses to be involved in finances.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Bob Lotich Bob and his wife, Linda, live in Franklin, TN with their three children. Lotich is CEPF® (Certified Educator in Personal Finance), award-winning blogger, and named a top 20 social influencer in personal finance. Author of "Simple Money, Rich Life", Host of SeedTime Money podcast, and creator of the 'Real Money Method' - a quicker and easier alternative to traditional budgeting that has built-in accountability.

Key Quotes (Full Transcript of the Conversation Here) THREE DAY MONEY CHALLENGE

• 3:22 - "...if I look back at our life and a lot of the miracles that have happened, a lot of the crazy things that God has brought us on, adventures that He's led us on, it has been through acts of obedience. When he's invited us to do something to step out into something... It'd be more comfortable to not do that... I want to be someone who is always running in that direction."
• 04:01 -" I want to raise kids who... just aren't bound up by fear, but have that boldness like David did in the face of whatever the obstacle of challenges."
• 4:48 - "every time he goes into kids church... they invite one of the kids to pray over the offering. And apparently our son goes up there every single week and asks to pray for the offering."
• 7:06 - "I talk to people all the time who come up to me and say, my dad said that we don't talk about money in our house... intentionally put a wall up and said, we're not going to talk about this. That seems like such a terrible idea to me, because the truth of the matter is... if we're not getting financial education from our homes, we're not learning it in school... our churches will teach us about giving in and I think a lot of them do a good job on that, but they're not teaching us how to actually manage our money so that we actually have more to give. And so what happens is we have this void of a lack of financial education. And so then what happens is our education and our beliefs about money come from places that... aren't even trying to teach us about it... We're looking at Instagram influencers or learning from credit card companies or all of these places where they may not be explicitly teaching us about money."
• 9:00- "...just talking through that in earshot of them, because, again, a lot of this is more caught than taught. And so we might as well just let them hear what's going on and let it start rubbing off on them. And I think that's one of the best things that we can do as dads."
• 15:17 - "... so it was two weeks later after I said yes to God and decided, okay, I'm going to take the rest as a year off. We got a call from the adoption agency... but we actually have a little girl who was born last night down in Alabama... Linda and I prayed for about 30 seconds... all right, let's go get our daughter."
• 19:59 - "it offends me that if you look at the Forbes 400... the vast majority of the people, that are top of the list, they're not serving the kingdom. It's like, that's why not."
• 21:40 - John Wesley quote "I earn as much as I can by writing and speaking... I save... And what he meant by that was, I reduce my expenses, I eliminate waste. I just cut out any wasteful, unnecessary spending... I save as much as I can so that I can give as much as I possibly can."
• 25:34 - "We call it our AUM, or Assets Under Management instead of net worth for two quick reasons. I don't like the term net worth when we're talking about our worth as believers... in light of what Jesus did, there's no number that defines that, whether it's high or low... But the other reason we call it Assets Under Management is that it's a reminder... that everything that we have our house, our cars, the money in our account, our kids... we're managers of all of it.
• 27:19 - "I felt God said, why don't you just track your giving? And so we created what we call our net given, which is basically just a sheet where we have tracked pretty much everything we've given since we got married."
• 30:47 - "... What I would say is we started moving forward faster when both of us were in it together, when both of us were aware of what was going on."

Conversation Links * Bob's Organization: SeedTime * Bob's Book - Simple Money, Rich Life * Bob's Podcast - The SeedTime Money Podcast * Bob's Courses - + Real Money Method 3.0 + 10X Investing + The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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Key Takeaways: * When the Skoogs were met with resistance preparing for a trip to China, they chose to continue to walk in God’s calling for them. * How one choice, of going to church to serve, turned into a legacy of leading people to Jesus. * The impact that Tim left his kids as he modeled Kingdom prayer and adventure. * The five principles/practices that the global church implements.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Tim and Ryan Skoog Tim and Ryan are a father/son duo who share the love of adventure and legacy. Ryan is President of Venture and Tim is on the Governing Board. Venture is a Global Partner of Father for the Fatherless. Venture is committed and passionate about serving in areas of the world that are the least reached and resourced by partnering with local leaders in those communities to end some of the world's greatest injustices.

Conversation Notes * 2:04- Tim explaining the impact of his mother in law passing away and why they decided to continue with their trip to China. * 5:45 - Tim and Ryan talking about the times they were apprehended by the police and chased by dogs for putting Christian tracts on locals doorsteps.. "those are some of the adventures that... I'll always cherish that with my dad." * 8:39 - "The enemy doesn't want dads taking courageous adventures, instilling values in their kids." * 08:55 - "... Recognize that when you're heading out like this, expect that there's going to be some resistance, that we have an enemy, and if the enemy can stop you before you get started, he's going to do it." * 10:17 - “...He didn’t start the gambit by taking us to Mozambique or... a war zone. It started with... let’s go serve a church together or... there’s a service opportunity in our church or in our community.” * 11:14 - Ryan talking about having a good role model when it came to his prayer life and the adventures they went on as a family. * 13:39 - “The quick origin is that it came out of asking a question, "What if the global church had something to teach the American church on how to follow Jesus?" And instead of us just going and sending, you know, teaching and leadership and all that stuff, what if we sat at their feet and said, "Could you teach us?” * 14:21 -Explaining “The Five Principles/Practices” that the global church implements. + Every believer praying and in scripture 1-2 hours/day + Every believer spending time with the lost on a daily basis + Every believer serving in some capacity the poor and the needy around you - Looking for people who are open + Every believer is getting together with other believers to study the scriptures and learning a way to obey it + Every believer is training someone else to do these principles * 16:55 - "And that's part of the the idea on the prayer side is what like every believer in the global church that's practicing this, they're almost every day praying for people that don't know Jesus to come to come to Jesus." * 19:46 - "And we try to go for the complex and easy and God wants us to do simple and tough and they can't do it." * 20:43 - “...You’re capable of passing things on. Capable of having a rich history. Capable of having the next, and the next, and the next follow the Lord." * 22:18 - "My dad, his example and faithfulness and....consistency of who he was as a person, I was like I want to be like my dad, and because I wanted to be like him then I wanted to serve Jesus and I wanted to be a good leader and I wanted to be responsible and I wanted to be a good dad myself and all of that. But that first started with, I made his decision that I want to be like my dad, and that was huge. And so I’ve really tried to take that and say, okay, in all this, I really want my son to want to be like me first.” * 23:50 - "And it wasn't just one thing that he did, but his consistency over and over and over that that was so impacting and then peppered with adventures. Right. And made it really powerful.... there's a moment there's a season in life for us as dads that the call is one of faithfulness. And it's like hard because you're like, I want to do great things and this and that. And the call is, no, actually do the same thing over and over and be faithful at that thing."

Conversation Links * Venture * dadAWESOME – Episode 77 * Global Discipleship

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"One of the greatest gifts that my parents and then my dad was able to give me was he wanted to expose me early on to the world, to the needs of the world, to the challenges of the world." "....he did that by taking us to some of the most difficult places in the world."

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Tim and Ryan Skoog Tim and Ryan are a father/son duo who share the love of adventure and legacy. Ryan is President of Venture and Tim is on the Governing Board. Venture is a Global Partner of Father for the Fatherless. Venture is committed and passionate about serving in areas of the world that are the least reached and resourced by partnering with local leaders in those communities to end some of the worlds greatest injustices.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Fathers for the Fatherless * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS changes lives by exposing men to a cause beyond themselves. They are propelled to challenge themselves, cycling 100 miles, in response to our Heavenly Father’s heart for the Fatherless. * Reminder: Twin Cities registration, FATHER FOR THE FATHERLESS, closes June 30.

Conversation Notes * 2:54 - "You know, Dad, every every morning I roll out of bed and hit my knees. And it was something that impacted me and something I learned from him and have been doing faithfully ever since. So it's a situation of saying, well, son, take this from me. No, I took this from him." * 3:57 - "As I look through my life is that I can say the dad that the man that was my dad was also someone that I would look up to as a hero. Many other people look up to. And so that's just one of the greatest honors." * 5:08 - "I really believe that there isn't a real difference between being a leader in business, nonprofit or church. I think that we should approach it the same way." * 5:42 - Ryan watching his Dad pray Psalm 91 over their family. * 6:19 - Pray first then strategy/meet. * 8:24 - Tim on his salvation in Alaska and his Father's salvation. * 10:38 - The events of 1979 in Alaska that changed everything.. "first time I really heard the gospel in its entirety, I mean the full gospel if you want to use it as such" * 11:34 - Tim's wife rededication her life to Jesus. * 12:51 - "But on January 27th, 1979, I raised my hand and became a born again believer." Tim * 13:07 - Tim talks about his house burning down and leaving Alaska * 14:21 - Ryan explaining the legacy his dad imprinted, not only on their family, but to many people their family has encountered after getting saved "...that day was famous in our family.." * 16:14 - Ryan taking Tim, his son, and father in law back to the chapel Tim was saved in and writing and praying blessings over each of them. * 17:34 - "And the the idea that you, you know, this is really, really important for your kids to get is that they something happened before them and something will happen after them. Generational and that generational thought is so distant from our current generation. It's it's actually a very unique thing because for thousands of years, children grew up realizing that there's a tradition before them and a legacy to give and and to to combat the current crazy narcissism of the day." * 18:43 - "whenever I want to instill a value in our kids, we like to travel somewhere and then have a moment but also have an adventure to seal it in." * 20:29 - Tim's wife taking their grand daughters to where she was saved in Louisiana. * 23:07 - "One of the greatest gifts that my parents and then my dad was able to give me was he wanted to expose me early on to the world, to the needs of the world, to the challenges of the world." "....he did that by taking us to some of the most difficult places in the world." * 23:40 - "He never took us to Disneyland, but but he did take us to a refugee camp in Mozambique and, you know, to different slums around the world and difficult areas." * 25:11 - One of the coolest things Tim did as a father was he was willing to do what his kids wanted to do. Even if their ideas where wild. * 27:51 - Praying and asking God what it looks like to smuggle Bibles into China and an eagle flies over them right after praying.

Conversation Links * Venture * dadAWESOME - Episode 77

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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“Servanthood is the way to the top. You will never outgrow serving…the more you have the more you’re required to give.”

dadAWESOME

We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jason Vallotton Recovering mental health, Cultivating spiritual fathers, and Living with Hope. Jason Vallotton is the pastoral care overseer at Bethel Church in Redding, California and is a sought-after counselor, teacher, and speaker. Previously, he served for 10 years in the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry as a pastor, counselor, and overseer. Jason and his wife Lauren live in Redding, California, and have 4 wonderful children. Jason’s primary passion is for the hearts of men to live fully alive to their calling. In his downtime, Jason can be found hiking in the Trinity Alps, fishing the Sacramento River, or hunting anywhere that wild game can be found!

Ministry Shout Out! * Crazy Cool Family * A family whose mission is to show parents how to connect the relationships in their family to Jesus and each other.

Conversation Notes * 3:16 – Story of Jason’s first son being born when he was 19 years old * 5:11 – The gift of patience turning the burden into an opportunity. * 5:35 – Having friends and community gives perspective. “But we actually get to multiply our experience the closer we are to our friends because if we walk through a hard time with them, we get to gain the wisdom and the learning and understanding.” * 6:48 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 * 7:49 “Great opportunity comes with every hard season for those who have eyes to see it.” – Quote from Winning the War Within by Jason Vallotton * 9:17 – You can try and grow through the easy times but there’s not as much opportunity to grow in easy times because you’re not getting as much feedback. You’re not really being stretched. The easy times are a poor indicator of what you’re good at and what you’re not good at. It’s challenging to grow when you’re not being tested.” There is fruit in hard times. * 10:02 – Psalm 126:5 -”Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Relating this to the story of a farmer making the hard choice between feeding his family the only seed he has and starting a poverty cycle, or choosing to plant the seed and watch his family starve for a season but ultimately breaking the poverty cycle. * 11:07 – We’re forced into this worldwide [question], “what are you going to do with the challenge you’ve been given?” * 12:07 – Going through a nervous breakdown in 2009. * 13:26 – His dad told him, “You’re gonna have to decide how your kids are gonna remember you.” * 14:26 – “I only get to decide what I do when I’m awake.” * 14:53 – “If I don’t check out, but I stay in the game even with my kids and my family, I gain so much more than if I check out for the evening.” * 15:05 – Quote from Danny Silk – “Kids are gonna pull 60 pounds of energy from you whether you give it to them or whether they take it from you you just get to decide how it happens.” * 16:07 – “There’s an opportunity for people like never before not just to make a difference in history, but to learn how to embrace challenging times with confidence.” * 16:46 – The inside-out dad life – what were the warning signs before the nervous breakdown? * 19:50 – Moral Revolution * 20:45 – Everything was good – it was so hard to decide what to put down. * 22:02 – “Whether it’s hard things or whether it’s good things, it has a weight to it. It has a weight value and good stress is still stress.” * 22:56 – Cultivating spiritual fathers: “If you’re going to put someone on your team, make sure they know they are on your team.” * 25:39 – “My dad told me once, never apologize for favor, just make sure you use the favor well.” * 26:30 – “What is covenant? You have permission to change my mind and I have permission to change your mind.” * 27:01 – “Servanthood is the way to the top. You will never outgrow serving…the more you have the more you’re required to give.” * 28:17 – we’re building an inheritance for our kids…the relationships that you create today, that you sacrifice for, it’s not it’s not as fun as people think. It’s not easy I can tell you all those relationships that I just mentioned, there’s conflict inside of them. We use all of our communication skills and conflict resolution and honor to keep those relationships going.” * 29:33 – Clint graham david and his mighty men series of books? Linked * 30:45 – Attending church for yourself is the lowest level of living for a Christian. * 31:12 – His dad told him, “People need what you have. They need what you have, and you need to go to youth group and find someone that needs what you have and give it to them.” * 34:52 – “Look at what you want your life to be in 10, 20, 30 years and live from now.” * 35:10 – How to get out of [dark places], #1 – find new hope. Find who’s overcome what you’re going through. * 35:22 – Curt Richter – Rats with Hope – Sample article * 35:43 – #2 – Hope is literally gonna energize you. For hope, you wanna you want to get some vision and create some goals for tomorrow, and then weekly goals and then monthly goals. That’s how I overcame the addiction to medication. * 36:30 – #3 – Pull yourself objectively outside of yourself and be able to understand that the moment that you’re in there’s a real opportunity * 36:47 – “You’ll probably go through it whether you want to or not, so you might as well make it awesome, and getting some outside perspective is really, really helpful.” * 37:47 – “What we hide, becomes a definer in our lives and it begins to tell us who we are. And so it probably will be the hardest thing that we ever do, is to go ‘this is really Who I am’ but you’ll receive love in a way you’ve never received love because people will love you exactly where you’re at, and not for what you want to show you are, they’ll know the real you. And therefore you’ll have the power to get out of it.”

Conversation Links: * Jason’s Website * Winning the War Within by Jason Vallotton

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"God is very interested and motivated in the initiation of our children. It’s what makes Him come alive. He has their best interests in mind. And when I put down my agenda, I got curious. I got responsive. The path that my children have chosen and the God has chosen for them is not what I would have chosen in so many ways, but being a student and being attentive and participating has changed everything."

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Morgan Snyder Morgan Snyder is a strategist, entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and speaker. His passion is to both be shaped by and shape the men and women who are shaping the kingdom of God. In 2010, he established BecomeGoodSoil.com, a fellowship of leaders whose global reach offers guidance for the narrow road of becoming the kind of person to whom God can confidently entrust the care of his kingdom. He serves on the executive leadership team of Wild at Heart and Ransomed Heart Ministries, having served alongside John and Stasi Eldredge for more than two decades. Morgan goes off the grid every chance he gets, whether bow hunting in the Colorado wilderness or choosing the adventurous life with his greatest treasures: his wife, Cherie; his son, Joshua; and his daughter, Abigail.

Ministry Shout Out * Radical Mentoring * A mentoring process that equips men to develop authentic relationships and overcome the issues holding them back from living “life to the full.”

Conversation Notes * 2:45 - Talking about his “second great conversion”… “To become a son has changed everything for me…C.S. Lewis said, ‘I believe in Christianity like I believe in the sunrise.I believe in it because I see it every day, but it’s by the sun I see all things.' ...To become a son is my sunrise. I believe it because I’ve experienced it to be true. To unlearn God as Father the way I’ve learned it wrong and to open my heart to receive him as the true Father he intends to be. It’s by that I see all things.” * 4:28 - Growing up in a home without God - winning the “game” of life - having success in many areas, but losing his soul. * 5:26 - giving his life to God * 6:24 - "God became my father, my pastor, my guide, I entered into a slow and steady process of being initiated as a man and fathered as a son. And so where I find myself now is ...in process of over two decades of making my life about becoming the kind of man in whom God is glad to entrust more and more of the care of his kingdom, becoming more and more honest about what’s not yet, about what is under construction. But that used to feel like a weight and now feels like a promise because there’s so much hope.” * 7:28 - His wife is the Chief Life Officer. * 9:58 - His wife shared in counseling, “I feel like a bird locked in a cage. And I can’t fly"…. That wasn’t my heart’s intention at all. I dreamed about being a loving husband, but the fruit was I was a broken man, an unhealed boy inside a man that was still driving to get his question answered by achieving. I am loved when I come through. I am loved when I achieve. And now it’s just in the name of God, it’s just in the name of being a husband. And all the while my strength wasn’t actually rescuing the beauty, it wasn’t actually fighting for her, it was actually diminishing the glory of her life.” * 11:29 - “I believe one of the greatest sacred trusts given to me is to champion her calling and allow her to thrive as the Chief Life Officer.” * 11:47 - Finding the way to the center of your daughter’s heart. * 12:16 - A birth experience gone wrong * 13:27 - “God I agree with your story for my son, and I want to participate with what you have planned for him. I want to participate in initiation and I’ll participate in the birth story you have.” * 13:47 - "God is very interested and motivated in the initiation of our children. It’s what makes Him come alive. He has their best interests in mind. And when I put down my agenda, I got curious. I got responsive. The path that my children have chosen and the God has chosen for them is not what I would have chosen in so many ways, but being a student and being attentive and participating has changed everything." * 15:00 - Talking about his daughter - "I approach her with a question of ‘Holy Spirit would you show me her heart? Who did you make [her] to be? And how do I bring my delight to her and communicate consistently - [you] are loved. And there is nothing you can do or not do and say or not say that will cause me to withdraw my delight. And if I can get that right, then everything else becomes secondary.” * 18:13 - How do I initiate my son? * 19:00 - "Fundamentally, when we can pull back from the trees and see the forest, we offer the sum total of who we’ve become, we will apprentice our kids for good or for ill into the person we’ve become.” * 19:17 - Technology and growing up as an adolescent girl in our current culture. * 20:16 - we try to offer what we haven’t received and offer what we haven’t become….. * 21:52 - whole-hearted parenting and growing in union with God * 22:00 - "We can only fake it for so long and until we come to an understanding that excavation is simply non-negotiable bc when we build on a shoddy foundation, we don't know until the storm comes but the storm will come. We are in a culture of uncertainty and in a time of shaking." * 23:32 - Immaturity vs. sin * 25:31 - "Reality is what we bump into when we're wrong." - Dallas Willard * 26:10 - Look to the older men in your life and ask where did they get taken out or hijacked. * 26:23 - "I have a choice. I either have to settle for engineering a small life, ... where life becomes mostly about comfort, security and arranging for a life that I can control, or at least have the illusion that I can control and it doesn't require me to change. And that's what most men become. Or I can take those exclamation points and I can start asking questions." * 27:03 - "We really only have two choices, either humility or humiliation." * 27:17 - "I realized the questions are the core to apprenticeship and it's the questions that led me back to the path of life." * 30:21 - "Someone with my best interests in mind is at work. What I recovered was an upside down kingdom. Where most men build, the invitation was to stop building and allow God to excavate so that he can build your character - not just morality but whole-heartedness." * 32:02 - "Actually it's the good soil, cultivated over time, that yields the supernatural harvest." * 34:54 - PODCAST EPISODE ABOUT MARGIN * 35:28 - How does a fish know that it's water is polluted? * 36:45 - We are in an age of exponential change and we all, as a culture, carry more load than our limits. * 37:15 - So if we come to terms that we are in an aggressive culture that wants to destroy our margin, the gap between our load and our limits, then we understand we have to fight to protect that space. * 37:32 - "The great frontier in our age is our attention and our affection, and its in margin, its in the space between the load and limits, that we can recover our attention and our affection which was actually meant to be the epicenter of where we grow with intimacy with God." * 39:00 - "Identify your load. Identify your healthy, sustainable limits. And if your load exceeds your limits, then that's a frontier in which you need to be curious with about God."

Conversation Links: * Become Good Soil * Book - Becoming A King: The Path To Restoring The Heart Of A Man - Morgan Snyder’s Becoming a King speaks unabashedly to men, teaching them the life-changing truth about the power that God intends for them to responsibly step into for his Kingdom, while also giving women an honest peek behind the curtain into the lives and hearts of the men they know and love. * Podcast: Become Good Soil

  Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/

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• https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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How do I feel about God? Am I satisfied? Comfortable? Cynical? Disappointed? Indifferent? Am I on fire? That torch in my hand will be passed to my children more substantially than any religious education. If I want my children to grow spiritually, I must stay alive.”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Mark Foreman Mark Foreman lives in the San Diego area and is the lead pastor of North Coast Calvary Chapel. The question Mark and his wife Jan Foreman are most often asked is: How did you raise your kids? Never Say No takes you on a personal journey to learn first-hand how they raised Jon and Tim of Switchfoot. Mark’s been married to Jan, his “best friend and favorite Bible teacher,” for over 46 years. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family.

Ministry Shout Out! * Wild Sons - A community of men living from a full heart, pursuing a life of passion, adventure and freedom, walking intimately with God on a journey to become the men he created us to be. * https://wildsons.com/ * Podcast: https://wildsons.com/podcast

Conversation Notes 3:15 – “You are the same today as you’ll be in five years except for two things the books you read and the people you meet” Charlie “tremendous” Jones
3:53 – Mark introduces himself
5:08 – Bring your kids along for the adventure. Authenticity is an important ingredient.
5:50 – Agreement with their sons that they can all talk about anything they want. All topics are fair game because Jesus touches everything
6:43 – Surfing/Fatherhood comparison
7:38 – We must isolate the different variables of fatherhood and isolate some of them and then work on the variables that you really want to change
8:51 – “If you win 5000 people to Christ and you lose your own son, how does that feel?”
10:22 – The mistake of carrying around the wooden spoon and taking on the rigid disciplinarian role
11:03 – The importance of filling our kids love tanks
11:18 – “Time, Touch and Eye Contact” and the importance of wrestling
12:38 – The importance of listening and letting your kids dream
12:55 – “I Enjoy You” and the power of these words and the wonder it brings to children to hear them
13:15 – The surprising fact that a lot of people don’t “like” their children
13:52 – The more time we spend with our kids, the more we enjoy them. We tend to like the things that we invest in
14:18 – It starts with understanding that God enjoys me
16:38 – book The Second Mountain (David Brooks) // We must go through a valley of pain before we can move to the 2nd mountain of serving and living for others
19:11 – Overview of the book Never Say No
20:53 – Process of thinking backwards and working backwards… What are we hoping for when our kids launch from the home at 18 years old?
21:18 – Most parents primary goal is safety. Most are scared to death of their kids getting hurt by the jungle of this world
21:52 – “Raising kids who own the jungle. Raise kids who change the world rather than run from the world”
22:32 – Raising artists. Every kid is raised in the image of God. He’s a creator. He’s the greatest artist.
23:40 – “Wonder happens when we get closer to God”… Humility and serving others also comes when we get closer to God.
24:24 – Reading books that stir up wonder
26:08 – Am I accidentally cutting the wings of my kids wonder and creativity
26:46 – Book Quote: ““How do I feel about God? Am I satisfied? Comfortable? Cynical? Disappointed? Indifferent? Am I on fire? That torch in my hand will be passed to my children more substantially than any religious education. If I want my children to grow spiritually, I must stay alive.”
28:51 – It must be in me before I can hope something is in my kids.
29:10 – Mark’s sons seeing him spending time reading his Bible
30:40 – “We are the caretakers of our kids hearts”
32:24 – “We’re launching our kids from the moment they’re born if we really believe we are raising kids that will change the world”
34:03 – Entire dadAWESOME episode on the book Never Say No with Ross Manders: https://dadawesome.org/episode48/
34:32 – Slow down
35:42 – Mark’s prayer for us fathers.

Conversation Links: * Never Say No (Mark and Jan Foreman) * Switchfoot (his sons band) * Mark’s church * Mark on Twitter

  Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/

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“I wanted him in this liminal space. My goal was to irreparably break his heart for the poor of the world so he’d never just be a spoiled, complacent American ever – He’d always be haunted, because those years are so formative… I just wanted to get in there, God’s heart for the poor.”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jon Tyson Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the United States twenty years ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of Rumors of God, Sacred Roots, A Creative Minority, The Burden is Light, and Beautiful Resistance. For the last 15 years Jon has lived in Manhattan with his family. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Church of the City New York.

Ministry Shout Out! * Adventures in Missions * Adventures in Missions is an interdenominational missions organization that focuses on discipleship. We emphasize prayer and relationships in our work around the world. Since we were established in 1989, we have taken over 115,000 people into the mission field, some for as short as a week and others for as long as a year or longer. We minister year-round through our ministry bases and strategic ministry partnerships. We believe that by giving people the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and join what God is doing in other cultures and nations, lives are transformed. We seek to disciple as Jesus did; our vision is that God would use us to raise up a generation of radically committed disciples of Jesus Christ. * Family Mission Trips: https://www.adventures.org/family-mission-trips/

Conversation Notes * 3:42 – Statement from a friend who works at Barna that heavily influenced Jon’s life, “The church has basically reached a point of irreversible decline statistically, and by radical discipleship of our children, what would be described as a historic revival the church is beyond human turnaround. So it’s going to take an act of God and radical discipleship for our kids.” * 5:00 – “The summer of covid-19 has probably been the hardest season of my life, but I’ve seen the greatest answers to prayer in my entire life this summer as well.” * 5:28 – Thoughts on personal prayer life and for our kids. “Intercessory prayer for the places that we live, having a sense of call to shape a place through prayer, those are sort of the huge passions of my life and I think it’s the number one thing most people want to do, but don’t know how to do. And it’s the thing the enemy attacks the most because it’s where all the power and fruit lie.” * 7:58 – How to coach our kids to pray? Make Jesus as compelling as possible. Also, stewarding your own life of prayer and sharing those answers with your kids. And make prayer fun. “The goal of prayer is to get your kids to love Jesus and I think when you’re a kid, making prayer as enjoyable as possible and having consistency over intensity.” * 8:19 – Dr. David Ireland. Jon Tyson’s coach. * 8:43 – Thoughts on having a coach, finding a coach, and what Jon has learned from that relationship and how it’s changed his life. * 11:11 – Reasons to have a coach – “I think everybody needs someone older speaking into what they do. It’s it’s quite often in midlife…you’ve got enough success, you’ve sort of built your own coping mechanisms, tactics… you’re kind of like ‘I can just keep it going… I’ve built a life [and] I can probably manage this thing out,’ and I was just like I need to get better. The future’s changing and as things grow I need to be more agile, so I need to get a different toolkit.” * 13:25 – How to recognize a mentor? “I think… we all need to know what are we deeply called to, and then we’ll know when we have the right person to speak into our lives.” * 13:44 – The Primal Path: Raising a Son of Consequence * 15:19 – Sharing about writing meaningful letters to important people in our life. * 15:53 – His son’s voluntary expression of gratitude and how it impacted him. * 16:48 – Writing a letter to his dad to share with him what he got right. * 17:52 – Richard Rohr – “Whatever pain is not transformed is transmitted.” “We tend to break our kids in the same place that we are broken because we don’t know a way through it.” * 19:48 The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness, and the Men Who Could Be Me by Bruce Feiler * 20:52 – The World Race * 20:57 – Sharing about the experience for his son. “I wanted him in this liminal space. My goal was to irreparably break his heart for the poor of the world so he’d never just be a spoiled, complacent American ever – He’d always be haunted, because those years are so formative… I just wanted to get in there, God’s heart for the poor.” * 21:51 – Book: The compound effect. * 22:21 – Sharing the story of his son’s finishing The Primal Path with a 33 day hike across Spain * 23:49 – Parenting through social contracts – agreements around responsibilities, rights and privileges. Inspired by Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families * 26:32 – Book: Parenting With Love And Logic by Foster Cline * 27:18 – “We have a responsibility to take the beauty of Jesus and make him come alive in our kid’s hearts.” * 28:03 – The Primal Path. “The missing piece in modern culture, designed to help you walk a kid from adolescence into adulthood.” * 29:11 – “Designed to create a sacred relationship and a sacred journey between his father and his kids to help them get into adulthood….if you don’t initiate your kids and take them on a journey, they will self-initiate, often through tremendous harm, or the culture will initiate them….it’s basically who’s going to design the pathway of helping your kids figure out life? * 30:11 – “I’m trying to disrupt toxic masculinity and reclaim as normal a formation pathway from adolescence into manhood.” * 30:23 – Pathway for his daughter – “50 Pieces of My Heart: 50 key deposits every father needs to make in his daughter’s life.” * 30:50 – Jon’s next book, Intentional Father, Outlines five kinds of dads: + Irresponsible dads – come in, get out, do nothing + Ignorant dads – don’t know what they are doing and do damage + Inconsistent dads – torn with their own ambitions – often absent + Involved dads – our culture’s version of a great dad + Intentional Father – believes it’s the primary responsibility and builds a pathway based on who those kids are * 32:33 – Sermon series around Altars. Message about the Home * 32:54 – Most recent book: The Beautiful Resistance – Being a dad of conviction vs. compromise. “Part of it comes with a sense of sort of working through your own drama… and figuring out what it is that God’s given you, understanding what faithfulness to Jesus looks like, and then fundamentally breaking the fear of man… I’m not going to give an account to our culture for my life, I’m going to give an account to Jesus and there’s joy in having convictions and there’s joy in keeping them.” * 34:24 – “Work out the convictions that God puts in your heart, convictions about discipleship, and then just don’t care what people think. And it takes a lot of work and maintenance to not care what people think. And then to raise kids who are not controlled by the fear of man or the culture. You can’t impart that if you don’t have that. So there’s a lot of soul work that you need to do to understand your own values and your own convictions and then be willing to literally go to war for them.” * 37:12 – “Maintain the emotional bond with your kid. Kids come out of the womb with an emotional bond. Cultivate it. Keep it. That’s the most important principle. So whenever you want to do any of these things, there’s a connection where they trust you and they see that it’s worth it.”

Conversation Links * The Primal Path Course – Raise a son of consequence * The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character (available Father’s Day 2021) * Beautiful Resistance: The Joy of Conviction in a Culture of Compromise

Jon’s Altars Series * The Heart * The Home * The Church * The City

Jon Tyson * Instagram * Twitter * Church of the City New York

  Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/

• Make a Donation to dadAWESOME
• Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team
• https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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“I think that we are called to pour our life into what will be left behind…I’m convinced that what will be left behind is not structures we built, not things we implemented, but just people that we fathered – that’s what’s going to be left behind.”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Banning Liebscher Banning Liebscher was on staff at Bethel Church in Redding, California for eighteen years and founded the ministry Jesus Culture during that time. Banning and his family, along with the Jesus Culture team, relocated to the capital of California where they started a church, Jesus Culture Sacramento. Their vision is to see people encounter God, be empowered in community, and engage their city for revival and transformation. He and his wife, SeaJay, have three children.

Ministry Shout Out! * Christian Men's Network - https://cmn.men/ * Brave Men Podcast * Every Child Deserves a Loving Dad - Global Fatherhood Initiative is a human justice mission focused on defeating fatherlessness and stopping child abuse. As a result of sweeping global success, CMN has launched the Global Fatherhood Initiative—a strategic effort focusing on defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse, and setting men free from sin and Satan.

Conversation Notes * 3:30 – “I think that we are called to pour our life into what will be left behind…I’m convinced that what will be left behind is not structures we built, not things we implemented, but just people that we fathered – that’s what’s going to be left behind.” * 3:51 – “I feel like I am to bring my life to the next generation and lay it down for them and give it to them.” * 4:44 – Dads being dreamers vs. Dads settling * 5:45 – “When I stop dreaming, when I stop allowing my heart to really dream about things that apart from God are impossible, I not longer kind of lean in, I begin to lean back. I don’t engage, I disengage. And I would say the greatest thing in the world you could do for your kids is to be a dreamer that’s pursuing what God has in your life.” * 6:17 – “So I think our kids seeing us pursue the dreams that are in our heart is a really critical part of our fathering and discipling of them.” * 7:02 – “I think what we do comes out of who we are, and that we can’t be defined by what we do.” * 7:14 – We have a call to “be” which is our IDENTITY and we have a call to “do” which is our MISSION. * 8:03 – Challenging dads to not settle for anything less than the fullness of God in your life. * 10:12 – “As long as you move at the speed of obedience, and as long as you move with the speed of community and covering, then you’ll never be off, and even when you are off a little bit there will be grace because your heart is to be in this lane.” * 12:20 – Banning’s new book – The Three Mile Walk:The Courage to Live the Life God Wants for You * 12:43 – Family moments during quarantine * 14:34 – Dad hacks to stay connected to the kids traveling * 15:01 – “My kids are going to sacrifice for who I am and and the call on my life, but they also need to benefit and be blessed from that.” * 15:54 – “Whatever you do, like what I do to provide for the family has some cost involved, but I also want to make sure that there’s blessing involved and that my kids are connected to it..make sure blessing is connected to the sacrifice as well and that it’s not just sacrifice, it’s not just that dad’s gone.” * 18:07 – A story of trusting God with his kids * 20:59 – “At the end of the day, what we know is this: any area of my life that has blessed, any area of my life that has wisdom attached to it, any area of my life that has fruit attached to it, it’s because other people have joined me in it.” * 22:03 – “When I stand before God one day, [He’s going to say] I didn’t just require your best, I require your best and the best of these people I put around you, so when it comes to father I think the reality is our best ins’t good enough – that’s really never meant to be good enough. It’ snot just my best I’m bringing to the is equation, it’s my best and it’s the best of…these men that pour into my life, that walk with me, that then allows me to be a good father.” * 22:46 – “When I allow myself to be isolated, when I allow myself to be independent, when i allow myself to think that I just should be able to do this on my own and I don’t need anybody speaking into my life or challenging me or encouraging me, well I just want to say that your best isn’t good enough…God didn’t set it up that way.” * 23:09 – “God didn’t set it up where…it’s just you and nobody else, you just give it your best. He’s like, I put a whole family around you and I’m bringing those strengths into your life so that you can accomplish what I’ve asked you to accomplish and raise these kids.” * 23:26 – “There’s not one area of my life that hasn’t been touched by the strength of other and that’s why it has a measure of success to it.” * 23:38 – The Three Mile Walk:The Courage to Live the Life God Wants for You – Banning Liebscher * 25:47 – “Those that are fully alive are the ones that are fully engaged to the call of God to be and to do.” * 26:51 – “If you’re listening to this podcast I can only imagine then that you have a desire to be a great father. Being a great father takes a massive amount of courage…facing the things you have to face internally, looking at your weaknesses and trying to grow, saying God I want to be more patient…but if I’m going to be who God’s called me to be as a father, it requires me to be encouraged.” * 28:10 – Reinhardt Bonnke’s book, “Living a Life of Fire” * 30:51 – When I had my first kid, I realized the greatest think I’ll ever do with my life is raise this kid, and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done hands down. Hands down being a dad is the hardest thing I have ever done and it has challenged me in ways I didn’t even know I could be challenged. It is scary, it is vulnerable, it is raw, and by far the best thing I’ve ever done and the greatest legacy I’ll leave.”

Links * Jesus Culture * Reinhardt Bonnke’s book, “Living a Life of Fire” * The Three Mile Walk:The Courage to Live the Life God Wants for You – Banning Liebscher

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"If your kids don’t see the sabbath day as their favorite day of the week, then you’re doing it wrong”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jeremy Pryor Jeremy Pryor is a business owner, creative entrepreneur, author, podcaster and a builder of multiple movements with family at the core. We’re incredibly thankful for this conversation with Jeremy about his time in Jerusalem, welcoming his children into creative roles in his company and the long term iterating of their family sabbath. This is part 3 of our Creativity Month.

Ministry Shout Out! * Jon Tyson - * Primal Path - https://www.primalpath.co/ * The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character”

Conversation Notes * Meeting his wife in Jerusalem (5:55) * Jewish dads and the intentionality of men with children (7:10) * The life of Abraham and his role as a father (7:25) * Asking a dangerous question- is there a connection with Abraham and how he saw family? (8:20) * The Bible exclusively sees family through a fatherhood and family lens * Abraham saw family as a multigenerational team on mission (9:10) * Fatherhood insights from Jerusalem – Encounter, consider it, be influenced, adopt these principles (10:20) * Story about Jeremy’s daughter joining him on mission with his podcast (11:40) * It’s ok to sweep your kids into your own quirky obsessions (12:40) >> Strategically propagandizing his kids * Superhero movies and the explosion of interest with the mythical (13:20) * They read the same 5 passages of scripture each week as a family (14:59) * Book Life together by Bonhoeffer * Deuteronomy 6 * Bible Midrash (15:50) * Friday night epic meal to kick off the sabbath (16:00) * Friday feast – Iterating on their sabbath for 15 years (16:40) * It’s a skill to learn how to honor God with the sabbath (17:59) * Entering Rest * Cleaning up as a team. Make it a dance party (18:35) * Sabbath – "if your kids don’t see the sabbath day as their favorite day of the week, then you’re doing it wrong” (20:20) * The sabbath is the Zenith of the week. Make it fun and make it meaningful and give yourself lot’s of grace. The goal is for the sabbath to be life giving * Goal – for his kids to all want to honor the sabbath when they are grown * A mentor told Jeremy that he wasn’t connecting with his sons heart (23:20) * My bar was not at the right place with regards to what it meant to really have your kids heart at every stage (24:59) * Are you partnering really well with your wife in this current season? (27:10) * Don’t be passive. Be a leader. Be a directive leader. (27:20) * Be a strong central presence in the home in the stage of young kids. (28:20) * Be a culture setter in the home (28:40) * Creativity is within the mandate of Genesis 1 (28:59) * God had a creative challenge and he set loose the family (29:50) * There in nothing more central to the mandate of the family than being creative (30:40) * Thinking about family as an investment with a much longer time horizon (32:20) * We are not the center of our story. We’re part of a much bigger multigenerational story (32:45) * When dads start thinking multigenerational (33:40)

Links * https://familyteams.com/podcasts/ * The Skill of Fatherhood Masterclass * https://epipheo.com/ * https://familyteams.com/resources/ * https://www.1kh.org/ * http://www.storyformedlife.org/

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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“Human beings were not meant to live in isolation and we weren’t meant to live in a constant unknown. Learning to let it go (benevolent detachment)… is step one.”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

John Eldredge John Eldredge is an author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God’s love, and learn to live in God’s Kingdom. John and Stasi live in Colorado Springs and he loves the outdoors passionately. His most recent book, Take Your Life Back provides a refreshingly simple guide to recover your life. By practicing a few wonder­fully simple practices—or what John calls “graces”—you can begin to recover your soul, disentangle from the tragedies of this broken world, and discover the restorative power of beauty.

Ministry Shout Out! * Morgan Snyder - https://becomegoodsoil.com/about/ * Become Good Soil - * BECOMING A KING - Morgan Snyder’s Becoming a King speaks unabashedly to men, teaching them the life-changing truth about the power that God intends for them to responsibly step into for his Kingdom, while also giving women an honest peek behind the curtain into the lives and hearts of the men they know and love. * Podcast

Conversation Notes * 5:57 – Most recent book: Get your Life Back by John Eldredge – * 6:30 – “I had no idea how fast I was running and how little margin I had in my life.” * 6:56 – There has been a war for our attention that has kept us from giving our attention to our loved ones. * 8:00 – “I was noticing assault on us by the world was robbing us of the ability to be present… to anything.” * 8:54 – Coaching tips for moving into the lifestyle of learning to nourish our souls. * 9:37 – The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr * 11:44 – One Minute Pause App by John Eldredge – A simple mindfulness app (www.pauseapp.com) * 13:00 – 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your cares upon him because he cares for you. * 13:15 – “Human beings were not meant to live in isolation and we weren’t meant to live in a constant unknown. Learning to let it go (benevolent detachment)… is step one.” * 15:15 – Steps to the App: 1) Release. Let it go. 2) Heal our union with God. Our soul is meant to be united with God. It’s been assaulted by fear and chaos. 3) Fill me with you, God. * 17:27 – Prov 4:23 – Above everything guard your heart because out of your heart flows the wellspring of life. ….. “How your heart’s doing affects everything else in your life. If your heart’s not doing well, you don’t love very well, if your heart’s not doing well you don’t have a lot of dreams. It is the epicenter.” * 18:38 – “We are reaping the fruit of a lot of human brokenness generationally….Many kids are growing up either without a dad present, or without a present dad. He might be taken home, but he’s so taken out himself.” * 18:58 – Carl Jung – “The greatest psychological impact of a parent on a child is the unlived life of the parent….. If you’re taken out, it’s really hard to chase after the hearts of your kids.” * 19:27 – Parent for behavior vs. Parent for the heart * 19:51 – “I am in a world at war. The fight is for the heart. Not only mine but everybody else’s.” * 20:15 – Fathered by God by John Eldredge * 20:42 – Gender identity is bestowed by the father. * 21:09 – Both the little boy and little girl look to the father to answer their core questions. Boys – Do I have what it takes? Girls – Do you delight in me? Will anyone fight for me? * 21: 30 – “God steps in to say, ‘Look, I can still Father you. I can take you on the journey of maturation. You need to know you’re a beloved son, you need to know that you’re a delighted daughter first.’” * 22:45 – God takes us through stages to the place where he can entrust us with kingdoms and influence (a family, education, money, etc). Guys blow up their world because inside they stay in adolescence. * 23:48 – John Eldredge podcast – Ransomed heart podcast * 25:20 – Listening prayer – asking God to Father us in the live moments – “what do I do with this? Help me.” * 25:53 – A story of a painful moment in parenting. Maintain communication – don’t sever lines of communication. You won’t get a lot solved in this moment, but you could do a lot of damage. * 26:41 – God rescues in the live moment * 27:05 – How can we move toward hearing God’s voice in that moment? Know that you can (hear his voice). + John 10 – My sheep hear my voice. + Heb 3 – Today if you hear his voice + Rev 3 – Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice…. * 28:15 – Don’t try to hear the voice of God for the first time when it’s high drama. Start with really small questions when your heart is quiet. * 30:00 – If your inner life is locked up, and shut down in fear and hurt, it is harder to hear. God is super merciful and he’ll speak anyways, but the [it will be more clear the] more that we can cultivate the care of the heart and healing of things that need healing in us. * 30:54 – “If your soul is dried out like the desert, God is trying to give you himself, he’s trying to pour out the love, the mercy, the words, but when the rain storms come in the desert, it can’t receive the rain because it’s just so baked.” * 31:49 – “As you begin to unplug from technology and as you begin to recover an actual human life back, you will find it easier to hear from God.” * 32:34 – “One of the keys to life is this: The way you treat your own heart is the way you will end up treating everyone else’s.” * 32:55 – “If you are a perfectionist, your kids will feel the pressure to be perfect. If you are a person who wrestles with shame, they are going to experience that shame.” * 33:31 – A dad fail. * 35:30 – What you would tell your younger self – “You boys need to know you love them, and make that your top priority. You’re going to mess it up, everybody does…but love heals……If your kids know “My dad adores me” then a lot of the failure stuff kind of bounces off. It really does.” * 37:15 – Prayer for our families – dadAWESOME Episode 102 * 37:36 – John Eldredge final prayer over fathers.

Links * Get Your Life Back book * John’s website * John’s podcast * One Minute Pause App * Instagram * Twitter * Facebook

Video Podcast: https://bit.ly/DAeldredge2

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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“I think that our best moments as families, our best moments as parents but also kids’ best moments, are when we are given the capacity for meaningful action in some way. That is, we have some ability to have something matter that we do, AND we are exposed to meaningful risk – that is, it could go wrong and we could lose something.”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Andy Crouch Andy Crouch is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organization that works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship. His writing explores faith, culture, and the image of God in the domains of technology, power, leadership, and the arts. He is the author of five books (plus another with his daughter, Amy Crouch): The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World (forthcoming from Convergent in April 2022), The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place, Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, and Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling.

Andy serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He also serves as an advisor to The Repentance Project, The Pelican Project, and Revoice. For more than ten years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today, including serving as executive editor from 2012 to 2016. He served the John Templeton Foundation in 2017 as senior strategist for communication. His work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and several editions of Best Christian Writing and Best Spiritual Writing—and, most importantly, received a shout-out in Lecrae's 2014 single "Non-Fiction."

From 1998 to 2003, Andy was the editor-in-chief of re:generation quarterly, a magazine for an emerging generation of culturally creative Christians. For ten years he was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. He studied classics at Cornell University and received an M.Div. summa cum laude from Boston University School of Theology. A classically trained musician who draws on pop, folk, rock, jazz, and gospel, he has led musical worship for congregations of 5 to 20,000. He lives with his family in Pennsylvania.

Ministry Shout Out! * Intentional - https://www.intentionalparents.org/ * "Intentional exists to equip people throughout the world in their desire to become passionate Jesus followers to pass on who they become through their own life, leadership, marriage, parenting, and family for generations to come" * The Intentional Film Series -- For quite some time it has been the dream of the Intentional Parents team to be able to invite anyone and everyone to learn how to raise the next generation of passionate Jesus followers. Though none of us claim to know it all— not even close!— this message has been the heartbeat of Phil and Diane’s calling for over four decades. Starting with very little understanding of how to pass a vibrant, compelling faith on to their children, they’ve now spent the better part of their lives listening, learning, researching, studying, and practicing what they teach in this series. https://www.intentionalparents.org/film-series

Show Notes: * 2:59 – Introduction to Andy’s family * 5:03 – What are some of the components that lead to a family that is flourishing? + Authority + Vulnerability + Discussing parenting literature about parenting with a balance of warmth and firmness. * 6:54 – The authority and vulnerability paradox. Authority – capacity for meaningful action, the ability to do something and have it really matter in the world. Vulnerability is exposure to meaningful risk. * 7:17 – “I think that our best moments as families, our best moments as parents but also kids’ best moments, are when we are given the capacity for meaningful action in some way. That is, we have some ability to have something matter that we do, AND we are exposed to meaningful risk – that is, it could go wrong and we could lose something.” * 9:27 – Discussing the process of writing a book with his daughter. * 11:45 – “Before they hit [adolescence], they’re transparent in a way [that] we know what they’re feeling, we know what they’re thinking, and we usually know why. But then there’s this important thing that happens in adolescence which is detaching from that transparency, in a way. Hopefully without secrets.” * 12:20 – Jeff’s perspective on the book: (1) Andy continually pointed his daughter back to scripture. (2) It wasn’t just about technology, it was about connecting with his daughter’s heart. * 14:08 – “The reality is tech is about the heart because so much of our relationships now are mediated and…especially as your kids hit adolescence… you really have to pay attention to the way that technology, and really specifically media, shrink the channel for relationship.” * 16:02 – “The first way in which this is really about the heart, is our heart is ultimately about Who knows me? Who loves me? Am I known by someone and does that person once they know me, do they love me? Do they still love me… once someone really sees who I am? And you know the biggest way tech fails is on on question number one: Does anyone know me?” * 17:19 – “So many of our relationships get channeled through these media that really are not sufficient for deep real relationship, and we really have to pay attention as our kids get older as to how we help them navigate that.” * 17:43 – Phrase from Tech-Wise Family: Technology makes things “easy everywhere.” * 18:50 – “There are good things about this (easy everywhere), but they aren’t good for our heart because we don’t grow when things are easy.” * 19:57 – “So much of our lives has become so easy, and easy is always an option, that we never actually experience what it’s like to grow through difficulty, to grow through adversity. And yet, that’s what actually makes us into the kind of people who can have deep relationships and who have… hearts to offer the world.” * 21:15 – Being creators versus consumers. * 21:45 – “I believe this goes all the way down to who we are in the image of god and that we are meant to cultivate and create in the world that’s our that is our purpose as human beings and representing the one who created the whole world.” * 22:13 – Connection between consumer culture and the story of the garden of Eden. * 23:20 – “And the message that we all get now is you’re defined by what you consume rather than defined by what you create.” * 24:35 – Coaching from Andy around family rhythms and developing a “creating” culture in our homes and with our kids. * 24:45 – Definition of Culture – patterns that reflect underlying values. The strongest cultural patterns are those that everybody does. Build your culture and things you all do together. * 28:07 – Build a culture on rhythms of use and non-use and a rhythm of work and rest – Sabbath. * 29:07 – Screens disrupt sleep and screens allow secrets. * 30:53 – How he set up his house to facilitate the family culture * 32:15 – “How you design your space makes a big difference about what are you inclined to do together? Will you turn something on and start consuming or do you actually pick something up and start creating?” * 33:24 – Hope and encouragement for the dad who feels like he’s messed up. “You are not going to get through this without the two elements of trust: Rupture and Repair. * 35:45 – “You have got to realize that a limitless world is terrible for human beings and so you have to be willing as the authority in the home to re-establish limits that may never have had.” * 38:55 – Andy’s prayer for dads.

Links from Andy Crouch: * andy-crouch.com * Andy’s Podcast * My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices * The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place * Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing * Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"So you’re going to make some sort of mistakes. But fellas, I want you to know for sure you are absolutely dadAWESOME, because I got an awesome dad and I know I’m going to be an awesome dad because I’m a give it my all. Even if we’re going the wrong way, I’m going the wrong way all the way, because I’m doing it because I love my kids and they’re going to know that.”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Michael Jr. Known as one of today’s most gifted comedians, Michael Jr. brings laughter and understanding to audiences all over the world. Michael got his start performing at the legendary Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach: home of Jay Leno and “The Tonight Show.” This outstanding performance led to Michael Jr. performing at the “Just for Laughs” comedy festival in Montreal where he became the first comedian to ever appear live via satellite on “The Tonight Show” which catapulted Michael’s career.

Now, Michael Jr. tours the country using comedy to inspire audiences to activate their purpose and live a life fulfilled. His impactful delivery and versatility has landed him on The Tonight Show, The Late, Late Show, Oprah, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central, TedX Talks and a keynote for Fortune 500 companies.

Michael has spent a significant portion of his career making laughter commonplace in uncommon places such as homeless shelters and prisons, in addition to empowering his audiences with an appearance in Sony Pictures' feature film War Room as well as a starring roles in Selfie Dad, and MORE THAN FUNNY.

On the home front, Michael is happily married. He and his wife are the proud parents of five beautiful children.

Ministry Shout Out! * VENTURE - https://venture.org/ * JUSTICE FOR THE UNREACHED -- We spend our greatest energies to address the world's greatest injustices, including human trafficking, refugee crises, and extreme poverty. We intentionally target areas with less than 2% Gospel Witness, and that receive less than 1% of all Christian Giving. * The Global Partner for FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 4:45 – “I have five kids and I have…five extra kids. And what I mean by that is there’s a there’s being a dad and there’s also being a dad like one, because around us there’s always some kids who don’t have a father figure in their life at all.” * 5:55 – “The greatest name I’ve ever been called is DAD…I just I think there’s a lot of guys who are missing out on some great opportunities in life… the cool part is, is even where our dads lack, God completely picks up plus some…” * 7:39 – Funny How Life Works book * 9:36 – “There’s going to be times where things seem rough. You don’t know what to do as a dad. You’re struggling. But just the fact that you’re there, just the fact that you’re present is awesome. But in those times when things are getting hard, the key thing to do is to be still and listen to the Father’s voice because he is talking to you. And what he wants you to know is that he’s right here. He loves you. All you have to do is open your eyes.” * 11:17 – “Correct but don’t reject.” * 12:43 – “Telling his kids after discipline: “I just do not like disciplining you. But it is a requirement. It’s what I’m called to do. Otherwise you won’t be prepared for when life tries to discipline you.” * 16:14- Addressing the “hecklers” in our lives – often our own negative self-talk. “You have to address the heckler and use scripture to chase the heckler away.” * 17:05 – On stepping out of being amatuer as a dad. The oldest dad in the world gave you this assignment, which means you must be ready for it….He is the greatest dad ever. And he looked at you and said, you know what? You’re ready. * 17:43 – The impact of his dad apologizing to him. “I remember him apologizing to me and I and I don’t know if he was human before that. Like that’s when he was most human when he apologized… “ * 18:11 – Tips for having important, hard conversations with your kids. * 20:12 – Quote from Funny How Life Works: “Looking back, I now realize that many of the things I resented or found annoying about my earthly father are the very things that allowed me to open the gifts my Heavenly Father had deposited in me. * 23:46 – “So you’re going to make some sort of mistakes. But fellas, I want you to know for sure you are absolutely dadAWESOME, because I got an awesome dad and I know I’m going to be an awesome dad because I’m a give it my all. Even if we’re going the wrong way, I’m going the wrong way all the way, because I’m doing it because I love my kids and they’re going to know that.” * 24:55 –The way comedy works is there’s a set up and there’s a punchline. Right? The setup is when a comedian makes you think in one direction. What a punch line is when you change that direction in a way you’re not expecting. The results are revelation, fulfillment and joy expressed through laughter. In life, it’s the same way. * 33:49 – So by all means, look for those opportunities to speak into somebody’s life. That base that you got. You got that base for a reason. Some kids need to hear that coming from five feet above them, or a foot above them. Or eye to eye contact or maybe even looking up to them. Just speak into their life.

Links from Michael Jr. * https://michaeljr.com/ * https://michaeljr.com/michaeljr * Funny How Life Works Book

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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You can’t take out a pair of pliers and change wires and go, there you go, I told you, this is how we can fix you. We’ve got to cultivate what we want, and I think part of us as people looking back at our lives, I think if we don’t get over ourselves early enough, then we take up all the energy to fix ourselves and we ignore to sow what we want in our children. It’s amazing when the kid starts drifting, and you no longer have the reach and control you think you have. dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Pierre du Plessis Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Pierre du Plessis and his family relocated in 1999 to pastor The Father’s House, a multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-site church located in Rochester, NY. Pierre is known for his unique ability to bring the Bible to life using vivid illustrations mixed with humor and practical life application. He is passionate about mentoring & equipping leaders, engaging all generations and encouraging people to experience God. He is married to his best friend and partner in ministry, Marlize and they have two young adult children, Chloe and Caleb.

Ministry Shout Out! * Harbor Ministries - https://harborministries.com/ * GOD IS ALL ABOUT DISRUPTION. So we followed His lead. We set out to wake leaders up and shake them free of crushing expectations, ineffective habits, and treacherous coping mechanisms. It couldn’t be another course, conference, or retreat. It had to be a connection. An intimate experience. An ongoing support network. A band of brothers. It had to be a harbor. Since 2009, Harbor Ministries has journeyed with 25+ different RHYTHMinTWENTY or Rogue groups. These leaders come from 40+ different states. These leaders have refused to settle and have rebelled against the idea that impact required them to sacrifice their health, their sanity, their families, or their souls. They are discovering how to live with a rhythm that will allow them to leave a legacy and finish well. And along the way they are impacting hundreds of churches and organizations, and tens of thousands of people. AND THE WAVES THAT ARE CHANGING THE LEADERSHIP NARRATIVE HAVE JUST BEGUN. * April 23rd - National Day of SPACE * Space Podcast - https://harborministries.com/space/

Show Transcript: * On behalf of all our guests, welcome to the show. * Thank you so much. * This is just a privilege to learn from you. So you’re in Rochester, New York, but originally from South Africa, is that correct? * That’s right. Yes, we’ve been here now 20 years in Rochester. * Two decades and you lead as the lead pastor of The Father’s House in Rochester, NY. Will you help our listeners get to know you a little bit, Pastor Pierre, and talk about your wife, your family, your kids, and a little bit of what you’re up to for leadership in ministry. * Yes, so as you already mentioned, I come from South Africa. Born, and my family, everybody they come from a deep line of ministry. If I say ministry I think to put the context of ministry, it’s a Pentecostal, conservative Pentecostal home that deeply loved Jesus and believed in prayer. Those are the good things. So many other things that roll from it, right? But it’s all good. When I was about 33, we came to the U.S. It was not a straight narrative, there’s so much to it, and I think some of that is learning that getting to where God wants you may take some U-Turns and loops, it’s not always a straight line. We came when my kids were still small. I’ve got two kids. My daughter Chloe is the oldest. She was I think about a year and a half and my son was close to eight months when we came over, Caleb. My wife, Marlize comes from a great house too. South Africa is interesting, because you have so many cultures wrapped together in a very small land space. I come from a very very Afrikaans Dutch family. My wife, same country, she comes from an English family. So, different culture, different vibe. I like the English people, they’re just laid back. Coming to her was like coming home for me, it’s just the vibe, the culture, her as a person. Coming to Rochester, NY, I came as the creative arts and worship Pastor of a small church here in Rochester. About two years into this, we had the opportunity to start leading the church, and the rest is history. It has been a phenomenal, phenomenal ride, and we are so thankful that God pointed to us and called us over. * That’s amazing, and I know partially from my Lead Pastor, Pastor Peter Haas, and him talking about you, and even some of the leadership you do globally, even beyond, way beyond Rochester, New York, so thank you for all the areas you’re leading in, but let’s talk about leadership at home for a second. How old are your kids now? Are they out of the house now? * I hope they’ll never leave the house. You know, the fun thing is that my kids are, my daughter I think is 24 right now, my son, almost 22. Right about then I know some of the people are now reverse engineering their ages, I’ll go, I’m always off with ages and with stages. They are just amazing, amazing kids, because all kids do not come packaged the same, so I don’t think looking at our kids and how they’re turning out is always a reflection of how we got it right. I think, when I look at my kids, The Lord was very kind to us because these two young adults are phenomenal human beings, and I know the seed that’s been sown over the years has been consistent. They are still living at home. When it was time for them to leave, I said to my wife, “I’m not ready. I’m going to buy a house that they will never want to leave.” And I did. I did. But now my son talks about leaving, and I applaud that, because that’s what he wants to do. We are a close family, we like each other a lot, we do. * That’s what we all pray for, that closeness and a love to be together. Now, you mentioned sowing seeds. Just sowing seeds, I think you said consistency. Can you talk about, maybe if you had to prioritize a few areas of sowing seeds, and just consistent fatherhood to us young dads listening, what are some of the areas that you’re like, “I would put extra focus there?” * I think the tough thing is that both you and I have seen, and we see it in other people, but we ignore it in ourselves. By the time the seed comes up and you don’t like what’s on the land, you want to do a blitz of stripping it down, re-planting, and expecting a new result in about five days, otherwise I’m going to send you to a therapist. We want to change the harvest quickly, but we don’t understand that it takes a long time to get the seed in. If you don’t like what you see, it takes a long time to cultivate it, because I always say this to our team and to our church, “No human heart is mechanical, it’s organic.” You can’t take out a pair of pliers and change wires and go, there you go, I told you, this is how we can fix you. We’ve got to cultivate what we want, and I think part of us as people looking back at our lives, I think if we don’t get over ourselves early enough, then we take up all the energy to fix ourselves and we ignore to sow what we want in our children. It’s amazing when the kid starts drifting, and you no longer have the reach and control you think you have. All of a sudden, you get over yourself really quickly, and you realize what’s at hand. I would say to young dads, Just get to your issues, deal with your issues. They will always be there, but it can’t be the main thing in your life. There’s no greater joy when you see the best of you and your spouse reflected in the character of Jesus showing up in front of you, because at least you know some of that miswiring and brokenness stopped with you, you didn’t pass it on to your children. * So you’re really saying, don’t focus on tactics externally, focus on God healing and bringing your stuff, so that it doesn’t get in the way and you don’t stay selfish. I appreciate that perspective. When you think back to, and because we named this show “dadAWESOME,” we have to talk about a not-so-awesome dad moment. Can you think of a story like that you’d be willing to share, and just an area where maybe you caused hurt or pain, or you did something you wish you could have back with your kids and maybe what you learned from that forward? * Oh my gosh, yeah. I’ve got a tender heart. I will cry for days sitting here because the fact of the matter is, we see these things too late. Right? But thank God we can see them and be mindful that there’s more of those things that are coming. I think one of the biggest things that I love to build things, do things. I’m always busy with my hands, always busy with my mind, I’m just wired that way. It is not a willful thing, it is just the way I am. So, my daughter was doing a school project, at the end of the school year when she was graduating, and she had to do a timeline narrative with family pictures to tell the story of her life, and she was sitting in the dining room area, and all the pictures and photo albums were on the table, and I looked at the pictures, and I became extremely sad. I was trying to wipe tears, and she’d be like, “Dad! You’re too old to cry. Old people cry at the snap of a hat, what is up with that?” and I go like, “Baby, you don’t understand, every one of these pictures, I can tell you what I was building, I can tell you what I was solving, I can tell you what I was confronting. I remember the pictures, but I was not in them all. I go like, “I can’t have it over. I was not present. There were other things more important and I think the reason why this is so sad for me is because I can never sit at the beach with a five year old building sandcastles again, recapturing the time. I would excuse myself and say I’ve got to go to the restroom to go on my phone to go capture something. I think it is like they say, “Youth is wasted on the young.” I think children are wasted on prudish parents that don’t understand that there is a lifetime to build things, once your kids go into their own orbit. There is a lifetime, there comes a day where you go like, “what are we doing?” They go like, “we know what we’re doing, I don’t know what you are doing.” But while they want to be with you, be present. You can bulk your kingdom of sandcastles when they’re out. For me, the biggest regret is not being present. That is my biggest regret. * Any coaching for us? Outside of just awareness, any coaching, whether it’s classic examples like dinners together, do you have any coaching tips for us on how to be more present? * Yeah, I think, first of all, to know and get feedback on what you think is normal. I was raised Dutch. Dutch is very caring, but not as emotionally warm as my wife’s family. So, in my family, the strangest thing is you would get a birthday card. You would never read it, because my parents bought it for the outside picture, not for the inside words. They never wrote inside the card but, “Mom and Dad.” That’s just Dutch. That’s the Afrikaans way. My wife’s family, when I went to the first Christmas, I didn’t open the card, and she was deeply offended, because for us, we get to the gift. I know who it’s coming from because I saw you give it to me. For me it was the label of who gave the gift. Oh my goodness, for them, it was nothing on the outside, everything was written on the inside. For us, we know we were loved, but we didn’t express it in a physical way. My wife’s family, they hug you to no end. They express love to no end. I had to choose what do I want my kids to experience? And because there was a feedback, because there was a moment, becoming extremely thoughtful in expressing love and words was a result of my wife holding up the picture of, “is this what you want?” She didn’t force me, I go like, “No. That’s why I married you, and I like this side of things.” So I think to know that is important, especially when it comes to girls, because to the extent that they are loved by their father, they will not become restless to go find it somewhere else. Because it is the father’s words that invokes beauty in the wife and in the daughter, and it’s the father’s strength and the father’s kindness and connection with the son that establishes his manhood, right? And I think that if we become paralyzed as men to express what the children need, I think we don’t understand what we are. The buckets are empty, and somebody’s going to fill it. * I know this is a deep passion of yours, and the name of your church that you lead, “The Father’s House.” The idea of the past passed down, the pass through from our Heavenly Father, out of us as fathers to our kids. Can you talk about that a little further? * The thing that we love about God is that He is unconditional in his love and unlimited, and uncompromising in His forgiveness. When we like that about him, we don’t find it as hard to give it through ourselves. I think part of being a parent sometimes has got to do with control. We want certain outcomes, and if we don’t, we know how to manipulate with silence, manipulate with certain things, how to get it. I think the most important thing is for the children, at least in my book, for my children to always know, no matter what you decide, no matter what you say, no matter what you do, I’m always on your side, even if I don’t agree with you, my arms are always open wide, even if I don’t like you in this moment. You will always have a landing place, and if you can find me first, I will defend you even if you are wrong. And then we will fix and go apologize. There is unconditional safety and love, no matter what happens, and that is hard. But there is a scripture that says, “It’s the kindness that leads us to repentance.” Because every time I’ve gone to God and I think I’m going to get a whooping, I find a scripture on love, and then I go like, “what the heck, this hurts more.” Because I thought I’m going to read some judgement over the shepherds right now, and then it’s kindness, and I think what brings our children home again and again and again, if they know if they’re going to get kindness at home. From kindness flows counsel, from kindness flows correction, but if they doubt that kindness, I think they’ll bypass us in time. * That resonates deep, and right now, with my three year old, it resonates deep, so I’m thankful for those words. When it comes to shiny eyes, I love to ask the question about moments of wonder, moments of, you could tell your kids were living life fully. Can you think of any stories or moments for your kids, it could be a while ago, it doesn’t have to be right now, but things that inspired shiny eyes from your kids? * Oh, you know, the thing that is so innate with children is those shiny eyes. Oh, and we bank that those shiny eyes are going to be with us forever, and they aren’t with us forever, because we lose our shiny eyes, because life, and the reality of it all comes on us. But shiny eyes for me is a result of a carefree heart and spirit. Here’s something that is so great about my dad that I deeply love. He has lived from a place of peace as a default, not as an exception. I live from a place of peace as an exception. So if you go like, “How many times this week did you have peace?” I would go like, “Twice, for 40 minutes.” Right? It’s a gift that complete place of peace. My dad’s not like this. He believes that scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but through prayer and supplication make your requests. Then the God of peace,” He says, the God of peace is when you pray and you live from this place. I cannot tell you how many times he would sit at the table and eat, and he would just be burdened, and all of a sudden, he says, “I’ve just got to go pray through this, because my peace is gone.” And for me, the default of the shiny eyes is when we can have a homestead, if I can call it that, that has the bliss of life, the unfettered, and just, If I could call it, I don’t think it’s the right word, but it’s a lust for life. If we know how to leave things on the outside that always challenge us, we don’t process the hard things on the inside, our castle is safe. In here we laugh, in here the goodness of God will carry us because I think, if we can protect that environment, I think that keeps the eyes alert. The wonder of life and spontaneity. * I love it, and never more than right now. It’s March 18th, today while we’re recording this. I was just reflecting today with my brother, we’re both young dads. In my years of being a dad, for sure, or my entire marriage, 14 years, I haven’t walked through a week like this week, where peace is threatened. It just feels like the peace is threatened in so many ways. Now it’s my role as a husband and as a father to be a peace bringer, a peace maker. So, could you just talk straight to me, how would you coach me this week? * So, here is the thing that is quite interesting. We live in a time where what you just said could be very offensive, because role identification is really complicated. But, you’re talking to somebody that absolutely believes that God has assigned roles to us. When I say role, it’s responsibility. How that role manifests I’m not going to get into, because that’s where it can get all sticky. But there is a responsibility, I think, of a man. In the middle of the night, there is a sound in the basement, and you know you’ve got to protect the family. This is just me. If you put the bat in your wife’s hand, you’re like, “Honey, go get ’em.” Right? If I’m your honey, I’ll whoop you in the bed, then I’ll call the police, and then, I’ll have to find another honey here, because there is a moment here where a guy just needs to step up. But I think there are more than just the protection of the family when it comes to physical danger that guys need to step up. I think all the time in our culture, the role of the man has been diminished. It’s unsure, uncertain, and I opened a door recently to a woman, and she was offended that I would think that she doesn’t know how to open a door for herself. Now, in the culture I come from, it is the highest honor for a man to stand when a woman comes in to a room. You always open a door. When they carry something, you say, “Can I help?” Not, “You’re weak.” I honor your presence because you’re a life giver to this universe. It’s a different thing, and I think for guys in this season, first of all, I would say don’t process where kids can hear. Because, they have no way to know what is processing and what is fact, what is doom, what is the end of the world. I think secondly, be careful what plays in your home. Ultimately they hear what you don’t think they hear. I would limit what comes into the home. I would create joy in the house, and every time I speak of the future, I would speak with absolute optimism that God is with us, He has got the whole world in His hand, we are sleeping in peace tonight, we’re going to be careful. As a husband and wife, especially as a husband, we lead our wives with certainty and reassurance, and we can’t fake that, because there is a firm confidence that comes from a man who’s talked to God. A firm confidence. When scripture is embedded in our souls. I say to people on Sunday, “Faith is not a product of positive thinking, Faith is a product of scripture that has been embedded in your soul. The way you do it is open the book and read it. Don’t say, “I don’t understand scripture.” But you’re fixing your car. If you can fix your car, you can read scripture. Just read it, because what it will do to you creates a firm foundation in the home that your family can lean into your strength, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength so that the house can be buoyant in the midst of what we believe could be longer than just two weeks. * That’s helpful, and just last night, I was reading with my life this idea that trust, you don’t trust a stranger, you trust someone that you know. So if we want to grow our trust in our Heavenly Father, we’ve got to be more than ever in His word, getting to know Him, spending time with Him in prayer. So that’s driven us in that direction, this is time for game on, higher levels of trust. So let’s get closer to our Heavenly Father. * You know Jeff, if I could interrupt, I think if there is ever a time where dads just need to tuck their kids in and lie on the bed and do shadow puppets, it is now. I think their hearts open when the lights are dim. I think the conversation will become heartfelt when you’re just lying on the bed with them and just talk, just have fun with them, but 1-on-1 because family meetings is one thing, but they will never be vulnerable unless you create that time. It’s not an interrogation time, it is proximity time. So I think if there’s ever tucking in and spending time every night in proximity, it’s now * That’s good. If I took a road trip out to Rochester, I drive myself out there and I sit at a great coffee shop with yourself, Pastor Pierre, and a couple other young dads, and you just had a couple moments to just drop some more priorities to us as young dads. We’re sitting around that good cup of coffee, is there anything we haven’t talked about yet that you’re like, “I would want to pass this along.” Not that you’ve got it perfect, but what kind of things would you say, “These are priorities?” * The power of your shadow is undeniable. You and I are both a product of the shadow we grew up in. Both of us. The very thing you said, I will never, you will see it in the mirror, and so will I. We don’t like it, but it’s there. The power of the shadow is very potent. A shadow is a reflection, not a projection. You can’t project a shadow. You reflect it. Who you are is what you reflect. I would say, use the power of your shadow to be life giving to your children. If your marriage is not working, nothing else matters. If your kids are drifting, and things are not well with them, nothing else matters. I would look every young dad, including myself, in the eye and say, “Get over yourself. You can’t say, ‘Fix me then.’ you shouldn’t have had kids, shouldn’t have married, if that’s what you’re thinking. We will forever be under construction. When you begin to realize that there’s no do-overs, you won’t have two and a half again, ever. What you invest in the two and a half is so critical to the harvest that’s showing up on the field. I believe that scripture says, “The children of the righteous shall be mighty on the Earth.” More than ever, we need a mighty lineage, a mighty legacy. Not to point back to us, but for the reflection of Jesus Christ on this planet. So I would say make them your highest priority. * Well, I would love to invite you to pray over us those exact themes, and this idea that we could be dads that are truly bringing life to our families. And the prayers around peace, and our homes being places of shiny eyes. So would you pray that prayer over all of us? * Absolutely. Father, I thank you that the eye of the Lord is on the righteous, and his ear is constantly leaning into our cry and our prayer. You are mindful of the season and the time we are in. You are mindful of the frailty of our human hearts. You are mindful of every dad. You are mindful of the concerns for the future, the weight of finance, the weight and concern of the well being and the health of our own families. And even the world that we are living in. But Father, I thank you that as the Spirit of the Living God rushed in on Sampson, as the spirit of God rushed in on your children to empower them, I pray that a surge of courage, hope, laughter, peace, will come into every heart and in every home. Father, that every father would just have a jolt of the reality that God is with us, God is for us, God will see us through, and that we can be the living expression of the invisible God to our children. Father, fill every man with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, sensitivity of heart, that they will be in touch with the promptings of Heaven over their wives and over their children and over their neighborhoods. God, I thank you, that in our weakness, you are strong. Weakness has never been a problem for you, but God, just remove the fog so that we can lean into you, see you, and be the very conduits of your presence displayed through our lives. Father, thank you, thank you that we know that you have a vested interest in every man’s heart. As they are creating this shadow in which things will grow in to magnificence or things will fade. Help us to be mindful to build life into our shadows, oh God, that whoever passes in or through it will leave from it empowered, validated, encouraged, and blessed. Thank you Father for your protection over us as people, and this nation, and this world. We will see the hand of God move many many many people in this season turn their hearts towards you, oh God. Including our homes, may we come in unity. Father, where marriages are struggling, I pray that you turn the hearts of the husbands back to their wives, and the hearts of the wives back to their husbands. That you would soften, for I declare your word says, “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown.” Jesus, let the storm in the midst it of it let peace reign. In Jesus’ powerful name. Amen.

Links from Pierre du Plessis: * The Father’s House

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"We have to break the spirit, disciple these kids and send them on risky, crazy adventures so that they can get their own stories so they can keep telling the miraculous amazingness of how good and amazing our Father is."

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Gary Black Gary and Lisa Black have been married for nearly two decades.
Raising their blended family from pre-school to now adults with their own families. When they married, Lisa was a young widow with two young daughters, and Gary lost his first marriage and took full custody of his three small boys. When they married, their sixth treasured child, Noah, was quickly added.

In 2013, the tragic suicide of their 19-year-old son Michael Ryan Black threatened to silence the Black's voice through grief and despair, yet only furthered their resolve to fight for those who feel lost and unseen amongst the chaos of a broken world. Their past and future journeys of overcoming the loss of loved ones would turn out to be the gift and calling of their lives together.

Together, Gary and Lisa-Marie have not only raised a family, but travel the world to teach, impart and mentor the generation that they have vowed to serve.

The Blacks have invested their time, hearts, and lives into thousands of people through their coaching, mentoring, writing, and speaking to the World Race and G42 Leadership Academy. The Blacks believe with passion that we were all born to be loved by our Creator, and impart that message to those who find themselves stuck in religion, shame, and life's challenges.

Show Notes: * 2:50 - The phrase "Horrible. Wonderful." * 2:58 - Richard Roar quote; "pain that is not transformed gets transmitted." * 3:27 "I started studying initiation of young men and what that actually looks like because America is the only country that hasn't. And then, you know, reading his (Richard Roar's) book Adam's Return, The Five Promises of Male Initiation * 4:35 - "How are you going to hold that? If you're allowing God to transform that pain in you and wound your wounds? You're going to handle a good call, a bad call to say it's not going to throw you off emotionally." * 5:15 - Gary's story * 15:43 - Gary sharing the story of his son dying * 21:38 - Further explanation around anesthetizing and numbing away pain * 22:04 - "I challenged him, are you just replacing one numbness to another numbness, something that you could just do so you're not left alone in your thoughts?" * 22:45 - "Father. Let this hit my spirit, not my soul." * 24:30 "every single morning I've learned to work from rest. I don't need the weekend. I don't need the vacation. I mean, those those things are awesome. But every single one" * The BEMA Podcast - https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/ * 27:20 "If you can get to that spot and say because He's good and I'm good, I was born to be loved. I wasn't born to be right. I was born to be loved. " * 28:08 - The Stages: The lover... the warrior, the sage. The king * 29:15 - Four YouTube Videos - A Fatherless Generation * Fathering, Mothering, & Parenting | Fatherlessness Epidemic Part 1 * Who is a teacher and who is a Father | Part 2 * Fall out of Fatherlessness | Fatherlessness Epidemic Part 3 * How to Break the Curse of Fatherlessness | Fatherlessness Epidemic Part 4 * 31:17 - The Differences of the BOY verses the MAN * 33:19 - Boys look for momentary pleasures and men look for true lasting fulfillment. They build memories. * Unpunishable: Ending Our Love Affair with Punishment
by Danny Silk * 36:52 - "If I'm going to punish my kids and send him to his room, I'm teaching him to be better at me and sit in his anger. No, I'm going to go with him. And after his punishment has been 30 minutes of just what they love, right? If they're young kids, we've just got to shift our thinking as parents that, yes, discipline. But yeah, we love you even more." * 37:37 - Malachi 4:5-6 "He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” * 41:07 - "We have to break the spirit, disciple these kids and send them on risky, crazy adventures so that they can get their own stories so they can keep telling the miraculous amazingness of how good and amazing our Father is."

• Video Series: "adding LIFE to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/

Links from Gary Black * Gary's Website: https://garyandlisablack.com/ * World Race: https://www.worldrace.org/ * G42 Leadership Academy. https://generation42.org/ * Four Video Resources for Fathers: + Fathering, Mothering, & Parenting | Fatherlessness Epidemic Part 1 + Who is a teacher and who is a Father | Part 2 + Fall out of Fatherlessness | Fatherlessness Epidemic Part 3 + How to Break the Curse of Fatherlessness | Fatherlessness Epidemic Part 4

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"the best way that I can be a strong father is to be the the most profound loving husband I can be... Children need to know to the degree that they're able that those two people. Love each other deeply"

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Dick Foth Dick Foth is an author, storyteller, and popular speaker. He holds a master’s degree from Wheaton College Graduate School and a doctorate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He and Ruth have invested the last twenty-five years working in the marketplace of business and government to encourage leaders in their personal lives. Dick also serves on the teaching teams of four congregations, including the multi-site National Community Church pastored by Mark Batterson in Washington, D. C.

Show Notes: * 0:48 - Jump back to Episode 217 - PART 1 of this conversation with Dick Foth * 01:21 - FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS spotlight: We ignite your calling by connecting you physically and spiritually with the cause of the fatherless and the heart of the Father. FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS changes lives by exposing men to a cause beyond themselves. They are propelled to challenge themselves, cycling 100 miles, in response to our Heavenly Father’s heart for the Fatherless. https://f4f.bike/ * 2:59 - Jeff asks about the 3 yr old moment with his daughter Jenny - The Grand Design Move * 4:34 - "I watched that that physical action of lifting her arms to be picked up by her father move into the metaphor and the eternal action of lifting her hands to the most high God saying up, daddy" * 6:30 - Paraphrasing the Bible for our kids - frame Biblical stories in your own language * 7:50 - creating stories and characters and incorporating Biblical lessons and moral lessons * 9:10 - Dick explains his friendship and mentorship with Mark Batterson - the term Spiritual Father is Mark's term - divine chemistry * 10:28 - "there was chemistry... The Lord put it together, but I think I think both of us are curious. I think both of us are readers... And both of us are adventurers." * 11:01 - Mark Batterson wrote: "our Father-Son friendship is not the means to some other mission. Our friendship is the mission." - this article - The Heart of Spiritual Parenting * 13:41 - John 13:14 "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. ... Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" * 14:27 - Band of Brothers example of deep sacrificial friendship * 16:52 - "We decided we would take a one year self-imposed sabbatical. I was 50 years old. To figure out what to do with the last half". * 18:06 - "the challenge with going up the corporate ladder is that you the how you go, the more competitive it gets, the closer you play your cards and you get to the top of the heap and you have a thousand acquaintances and no friends" * 19:27 - "Stepping out in faith never changes. If you know where you're going, you don't need to trust God." * 22:31 - "the question is: where do they(my kids) come on my priorities and how do I frame my time in order to make them first? * 23:39 - "the best way that I can be a strong father is to be the the most profound loving husband I can be... Children need to know to the degree that they're able that those two people. Love each other deeply" * 25:00 - Dick closing prayer * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/

Links from Dick Foth * Dick's Website (book, blog, videos, podcast) - https://www.known.fm/ * Known: Finding Deep Friendships in a Shallow World * Influence Magazine Article - The Heart of Spiritual Parenting -- Turning meaningful experiences into life-changing adventures

Links from dadAWESOME * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"Why is it that people, you give your prime time to people you hardly know? And the kids and I get the leftovers?"

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Dick Foth Dick Foth is an author, storyteller, and popular speaker. He holds a master’s degree from Wheaton College Graduate School and a doctorate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He and Ruth have invested the last twenty-five years working in the marketplace of business and government to encourage leaders in their personal lives. Dick also serves on the teaching teams of four congregations, including the multi-site National Community Church pastored by Mark Batterson in Washington, D. C.

Partner Spotlight: Restoration Project - www.restorationproject.net/dadawesome You want to be a good dad. But fathering often feels like a dumpster fire. Especially when you don't know what to do. That's why each month No Regrets dads receive the following resources to fuel their fathering:

• Experience Blueprints - Practical, plug and play experiences for you to connect with your kids
• Fathering Tools - These are specific PDF's to give you insight for specific issues (when my kids says I hate you)
• Private Podcasts - Fuel your fathering with further conversation on that month's blueprint and toolbox resource

Show Notes: * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/ * 2:55 - Dick Foth reflecting on his 80th birthday (the day before the recording) * 4:59 - "I think the I think that the the fact that we struggle along the way and learn by our struggles, that's the place people connect with us. People don't connect with my victories. People connect with my suffering" * 7:07 - Story about friendships and asking other men to come with him to the hospital as a young pastor * 8:29 - Relationship Baseball Dimond concept from (Lyman Coleman) * 9:27 - First Base = history giving * 11:05 - Second Base = affirmation * 12:31 - Third Base = covenant, which is we do stuff together * 13:34 - Fourth Base = know your dreams and hold you accountable for your dreams * 14:15 - Why is our culture so lonely? (Jeff asks) * 15:18 - Importance of the family dinner table * 16:30 - PARTNER SPOTLIGHT - Restoration Project No Regrets membership * 18:37 - Generational Observations about the state of fatherhood * 19:00 - story of Dick's parents divorce * 19:30 - powerful story of his father-in-law affirming Dick and offering to come along-side in early marriage. * 20:15 - "when my father walked away, my father in law walked in." * 21:03 - Observations that Dick is seeing in his son and sons-in-law -- "what I see in our our sons in law sends a lot and our son in terms of attention, paid time invested. They're not perfect. Clearly, I mean, who can be? But they're they're focused in a way I don't think I was." * 22:30 - story about Dick's wife leaving him and saying she will never come back * 23:30 - Assuming the stance of a LEARNER * 23:46 - "I think I learned that I wasn't paying attention. I was paying attention to a lot of other things and people because of my drive to succeed. I think that was part, you know, I say, Well, I want to build a kingdom, but I don't know where build a kingdom and personally succeed, where that line is crossed. I don't know. You know, I think it's I think it's a mishmash, actually." * 24:27 - Question from Dick's wife Ruth - "She said, why is it that people, you give your prime time to people you hardly know? And the kids and I get the leftovers?" * 25:30 - "I need to reverse my priorities... it's the it's the idea of who, who is the person and or persons in my world who have covenant it with me." * 16:30 - PARTNER SPOTLIGHT - Restoration Project No Regrets membership * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/

Links from Dick Foth: * Dick's Website (book, blog, videos, podcast) - https://www.known.fm/ * Known: Finding Deep Friendships in a Shallow World * Influence Magazine Article - The Heart of Spiritual Parenting -- Turning meaningful experiences into life-changing adventures

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"I just want to pour in... I don't want to be the guy who's over on the couch. Whose mailed it in and thinks that everything's going to be great. I want to be 100 percent in the game. Are they on my calendar or are they on my prayer list? Are they people I'm spending time with? I just want to keep honing..."

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Chad Johnson After twenty-eight years of joyful marriage, author Chad Johnson is still pursuing the woman of his dreams, the lovely Jenise. Chad is a successful entrepreneur and business coach to elite-level business owners. He is the founder of TheAchademy.com, co-founder of NewlywedCoaching.com, and MarriageMaximizer.com.

Chad is also an entrepreneurial coach with Strategic Coach, helping clients build and strengthen their businesses.

Chad and Jenise love their eleven children and five grandchildren. They enjoy traveling with their family and including them in the family business, Farmhouse Candle Shop. You can watch their adventures on their YouTube channel The Big Ski Family.

Show Notes: * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/ * 3:37 - "there's nothing like the heart of a daughter and a daddy in that bond, and I'm just excited for you." * 4:07 - 11 children on a family front, the oldest is twenty seven and down to nine years old. Three of our daughters are married and grandbaby number seven is on the way. * Proverbs 10:22 - "The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. King James Bible The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." * 5:45 - FIVE things that God has placed in my heart and these five priorities I call them, but I call my giant five. And Jeff, remember to be talking about that to me. So many of us as men, as fathers, as business leaders or ministry leaders or whatever, we're confronted with so many competing things for our attention, for our time, for energy, for our resources, and how do we filter, how do we prioritize? * 6:00 – The Giant Five Framework – top priorities + 1) Faith – it’s foundational + 2) Marriage – must be on the same page fighting together + 3) Children – Aspire to raise them to be all God created them to be. + 4) Heath – being fit, healthy and active + 5) Career/Work/Ministry – Using God given Unique Abilities to earn, serve, and bless others * 9:55 - Chad discussing worshipping God as a Family * 17:00 - Chad explains building a business as a family * 20:00 - Mothers Day Gifts - * Farmhouse Candle Shop * 21:17 - "I've always been a dreamer jobs, and I know I can recognize another one or a mile away. And you're that guy." * 100 Dreams: Years ago I wrote down my dream list…marry the perfect woman, have a big family, grow a business, earn a ____ $ a year, travel to Austria, write a book, run an Ironman, memorize the book of James, get my pilot’s license, teach the entire family to ski, coach and speak, and many more. Pulling out the list this week I removed, fly my own jet, and added, be the world’s best grandpa, and live in a tree house. Next step, pick 3, put on the calendar and get going! * 24:12 - "God is so good. When you become a parent, you're one for life... And I see that in the way that I get to pour into my older young people and my married kids. Now I'm on a Zoom call every week with my sons in laws and my older sons that are in their 20s." * 24:46 - "I just want to pour in... I don't want to be the guy who's over on the couch. Whose mailed it in and thinks that everything's going to be great. I want to be 100 percent in the game. Are they on my calendar or are they on my prayer list? Are they people I'm spending time with? I just want to keep honing..." * 25:26: How to Win a Heart: One Man's Adventure in Finding and Winning His Lifelong Love -- GET THE FREE - Simple Guidelines for Intentional Dating -- this will equip you to navigate your adventurous journey of finding and building a love that glorifies God and delights you for a lifetime. https://howtowinaheart.com/bonus-guide * 27:57 - "Chad, where are you? Where are you with the Lord? OK, where are you with your knees? And if if it's not right, want it to be, it's always done me. It's dad. It's always on us. It is night where you want it to be today. If it's not fine, if it's not joyful, if it's not romantic, it's not rich, not real. If you're not close. It's on me, not her. What do I need to do to bring that closeness?" * 31:54 - "My daughters are unbelievable? They are rare. They are so precious. They are so precious and so rare because they're not doing it the way the world is doing it. They're listening to what God's word says and the guys who find my daughters... He is bringing men. Godly men who are unbelievable..." * 34:00 - Newlywed Coaching * 36:49 - "At the end of my life, it's truly about my relationship with God and my relationship with people. That's it. And am I investing there truly like crazy all out, investing there with my time, with my energy, with my creativity, with my, with my life." * 38:35 - Read Deuteronomy 28 one through 14. Read Psalm one chapter. Read what God wants to do to a man or woman or husband or wife or family whose hearts are set on him to believe in him trusting him because he wants to bless you. He really does. He wants to bless and pour out his favor. * 39:38 - chad's PRAYER * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/

Links from Chad Johnson: * Chad's Book - How to Win a Heart: One Man's Adventure in Finding and Winning His Lifelong Love * NewlywedCoaching.com * MarriageMaximizer.com * Farmhouse Candle Shop * www.StrategicCoach.com (Coaching the world’s best Entrepreneurs and Business Owners as an Entrepreneurial Coach) * www.TheBigSkiFamily.com (On a mission: Introduce 1 MILLION families to the joy of Skiing together) * Instagram (Chad @thegiant5guy) * Instagram (@thebigskifamily)

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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“The world is crying out for men and dads who are on fire. That love what they’re doing and their giving it their all”

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Chad Johnson After twenty-eight years of joyful marriage, author Chad Johnson is still pursuing the woman of his dreams, the lovely Jenise. Chad is a successful entrepreneur and business coach to elite-level business owners. He is the founder of TheAchademy.com, co-founder of NewlywedCoaching.com, and MarriageMaximizer.com.

Chad is also an entrepreneurial coach with Strategic Coach, helping clients build and strengthen their businesses.

Chad and Jenise love their eleven children and five grandchildren. They enjoy traveling with their family and including them in the family business, Farmhouse Candle Shop. You can watch their adventures on their YouTube channel The Big Ski Family.

Show Notes: * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/ * 2:54 – Chad introduces his family * 3:34 – Imperfect fatherhood – there are no perfect husbands and there are no perfect fathers * 4:00 – “Man, it would be awesome to have 10 kids… And you can see what happens when you keep saying one more” * 4:40 – This fathering thing never stops… now they keep adding new kids as their kids get married * 6:17 – The Big Ski Family – “it would be so fun to have a family entrepreneurial whim” – Global Ambassadors for Family Skiing * 9:00 – The Giant Five Framework – top priorities + 1) Faith – it’s foundational + 2) Marriage – must be on the same page fighting together + 3) Children – Aspire to raise them to be all God created them to be. + 4) Heath – being fit, healthy and active + 5) Career/Work/Ministry – Using God given Unique Abilities to earn, serve, and bless others * 16:30 – Chad reflecting on his father * 18:10 – My dad has always prioritized his relationship with God and my mom. * 21:15 – The value of working hard as a family… “Ability to tackle hard things. To not run from a project” * 25:10 – “I’m ok stirring the pot. I don’t want my kids to have a sterile, safe, protected, isolated environment.” * 27:01 – Chad reflects on the pain of sexual sin and how it impacted his family. * 30:05 – “My young children were at risk when I fell” * 31:00 – “You want to talk about ripping your heart out. I knew that I was hurting my wife and I hated it. I despised it. And then I realized that I was brining it into my children’s lives somehow” * 32:15 – “I was believing the lie that my wife and my children would be better off without me” * 33:15 – The driving mission of helping men hear the message of freedom in Christ and the solution that only God can bring. * 34:00 – Christ in me the hope of glory * 34:40 – I needed power for the right now. Ability to walk in power of the Holy Spirit. * 36:20 – Fatherhood, Family, Freedom – they all intersect and if we walk in freedom, our kids get freedom * 37:20 – Coaching words for us – “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” * 38:08 – God made you a masterpiece * 39:40 – “The world is crying out for men and dads who are on fire. That love what they’re doing and their giving it their all” * 40:48 – “Live life like a movie you’d want to watch with your children and grandchildren” * 41:01 – Chad’s prayer – Jude 24-25 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” * We just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/

Links from Chad Johnson: * Chad's Book - How to Win a Heart: One Man's Adventure in Finding and Winning His Lifelong Love * NewlywedCoaching.com * MarriageMaximizer.com * Farmhouse Candle Shop * www.StrategicCoach.com (Coaching the world’s best Entrepreneurs and Business Owners as an Entrepreneurial Coach) * www.TheBigSkiFamily.com (On a mission: Introduce 1 MILLION families to the joy of Skiing together) * Instagram (Chad @thegiant5guy) * Instagram (@thebigskifamily)

Links from dadAWESOME: * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

Conversation Transcript coming soon

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Robert Lewis Few have had as significant an impact on discipling men in the past forty years than Robert Lewis. As a pastor, speaker, and author, Robert’s passion for leading men to grow in biblical manhood led him to produce the Men’s Fraternity film series in 1995. This three-year men’s curriculum quickly spread into churches, businesses, colleges, and even correctional facilities across the United States and later to over 20 countries. Today, Men’s Fraternity and its follow up series, 33, have impacted millions of men worldwide.

Author of numerous books including best-selling The Church of Irresistible Influence, Raising a Modern-Day Knight, and Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage, Robert is known for helping men build their lives on practical biblical truth that gets real-life results.

Now, in authoring the “BetterMan” curriculum, Robert offers a new way for men, especially younger men, to get their hands around God’s timeless design for authentic manhood.

Show Notes: * :52 - we just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/ * 5:34 - "When the wedding day came, I was wondering where dad was or dad was at home drunk in bed before the wedding went on without him." * 6:20 - "My wife and I just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary together, and what we did for our wedding anniversary is we had all the grandkids. I have 10 of them and our kids come out just to us and we replayed our marriage ceremony." * 8:10 - Serial monogamy. Robert explaining how marriage is a series of marriages to the same woman * 10:12 - Community - "I got with two other dads this we had seven sons" * 10:51 - "We designed ceremonies for sons. We came up with four ceremonies, one that we would do when they became a teenager. 13. One when they got their driver's license at 16 independence. One when they left home. Hopefully for college with total independence from Spain. We have 18 and then one when they graduated from college at twenty one. So that was four ceremonies. And over the next 20 something years we did twenty eight ceremony funds and we are so glad that we did because all seven of us sons are strong believers doing well in all of their forties now." * 12:50 - "two things that remain friends... drawing wisdom from them and that season lives and their friendship. And the other thing is staying close to God personally, those two things. And then you have the two essentials * 14:07 - "God gave me two men, but we became close together and we both had the same desire to be good at family, good at parenting, good at our marriage." * 15:27 - Phases to Knighthood. * 16:13 - "what if we raised our boys to be in a culture Knights to their world? * 18:44 - Application to moms and daughters * 19:36 - Five Essentials to Engage Today’s Men - Barna and BetterMan -- "There’s no denying that today’s men face unique cultural challenges in life, work, and ministry. That’s why we partnered with Barna to create a comprehensive resource for pastors, men’s ministry leaders, and mentors looking to effectively reach today’s men. Filled with eye-opening statistics and thought-provoking insights, this study is catered to empower you as you support men on their journey towards better." * 32:07 - "sons are looking for the substance of life, as I hope to prove they hunger for the best things in the absence of these anchors, sons drift. But when loving dads add these into the manhood mix, their sons flourish. They become noble men, gentlemen, men of valor, principled men, knights." * 34:37 - Proverb 17:6 says; "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers...and "glory" word as the implication of weight. And I remember when I read that I thought, that's interesting the weight of sons, which their dads, and all of a sudden I realized what dads give their sons weight, which stabilizes them. You have those inflatable dummies that you can get up in the air." * 36:40 - Robert's prayer

Episode Links: * Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood * BetterMan * Barna Study - BetterMan - https://betterman.com/barna-report/

• https://dadawesome.org/life/
• Make a Donation to dadAWESOME
• Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team
• https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"sons are looking for the substance of life, as I hope to prove they hunger for the best things and in the absence of these anchors, sons drift. But when loving dads add these into the manhood mix, their sons flourish. They become noble men, gentlemen, men of valor, principled men, knights. dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Robert Lewis Few have had as significant an impact on discipling men in the past forty years than Robert Lewis. As a pastor, speaker, and author, Robert’s passion for leading men to grow in biblical manhood led him to produce the Men’s Fraternity film series in 1995. This three-year men’s curriculum quickly spread into churches, businesses, colleges, and even correctional facilities across the United States and later to over 20 countries. Today, Men’s Fraternity and its follow up series, 33, have impacted millions of men worldwide.

Author of numerous books including best-selling The Church of Irresistible Influence, Raising a Modern-Day Knight, and Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage, Robert is known for helping men build their lives on practical biblical truth that gets real-life results.

Now, in authoring the “BetterMan” curriculum, Robert offers a new way for men, especially younger men, to get their hands around God’s timeless design for authentic manhood.

Show Notes: * :52 - we just released a free film series. A short video series "Adding Life to the Dad Life" https://dadawesome.org/life/ * 5:34 - "When the wedding day came, I was wondering where dad was or dad was at home drunk in bed before the wedding went on without him." * 6:20 - "My wife and I just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary together, and what we did for our wedding anniversary is we had all the grandkids. I have 10 of them and our kids come out just to us and we replayed our marriage ceremony." * 8:10 - Serial monogamy. Robert explaining how marriage is a series of marriages to the same woman * 10:12 - Community - "I got with two other dads this we had seven sons" * 10:51 - "We designed ceremonies for sons. We came up with four ceremonies, one that we would do when they became a teenager. 13. One when they got their driver's license at 16 independence. One when they left home. Hopefully for college with total independence from Spain. We have 18 and then one when they graduated from college at twenty one. So that was four ceremonies. And over the next 20 something years we did twenty eight ceremony funds and we are so glad that we did because all seven of us sons are strong believers doing well in all of their forties now." * 12:50 - "two things that remain friends... drawing wisdom from them and that season lives and their friendship. And the other thing is staying close to God personally, those two things. And then you have the two essentials * 14:07 - "God gave me two men, but we became close together and we both had the same desire to be good at family, good at parenting, good at our marriage." * 15:27 - Phases to Knighthood. * 16:13 - "what if we raised our boys to be in a culture Knights to their world? * 18:44 - Application to moms and daughters * 19:36 - Five Essentials to Engage Today’s Men - Barna and BetterMan -- "There’s no denying that today’s men face unique cultural challenges in life, work, and ministry. That’s why we partnered with Barna to create a comprehensive resource for pastors, men’s ministry leaders, and mentors looking to effectively reach today’s men. Filled with eye-opening statistics and thought-provoking insights, this study is catered to empower you as you support men on their journey towards better." * 32:07 - "sons are looking for the substance of life, as I hope to prove they hunger for the best things in the absence of these anchors, sons drift. But when loving dads add these into the manhood mix, their sons flourish. They become noble men, gentlemen, men of valor, principled men, knights." * 34:37 - Proverb 17:6 says; "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers...and "glory" word as the implication of weight. And I remember when I read that I thought, that's interesting the weight of sons, which their dads, and all of a sudden I realized what dads give their sons weight, which stabilizes them. You have those inflatable dummies that you can get up in the air." * 36:40 - Robert's prayer

Episode Links: * Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood * BetterMan * Barna Study - BetterMan - https://betterman.com/barna-report/

• https://dadawesome.org/life/
• Make a Donation to dadAWESOME
• Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team
• https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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And you could do that as an awesome dad to just hover. I think that's the first thing God did over the Earth. He just hovered. Hover over each person your family like, what is kid number one need that I could only uniquely provide them. Because if they need a ride, they could get Uber to provide. They'd give em a ride. But just say, is there something else they uniquely need that only I could provide and then hover over your spouse and hover over a couple of friends for a moment? And did you say, like, what are they uniquely need that only I could provide.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Bob Goff Bob spent decades as an attorney, trying to figure out how to live a whimsical, impactful life. These days, he calls himself a "recovering lawyer" because after practicing law for 25 years, then becoming the Honorary Consul to Uganda, he gave up his law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. He's a New York Times bestselling author several times over, runs a popular weekly podcast, and recently turned farmer at The Oaks just outside San Diego, California.

Show Notes: * Focusing on the context of the moments and seasons with our families helps focus on what is important. * 3:45 - It's just like, give context, you're only here, so wanting to be these memories that they're going to drop into a relatively small box of mental pictures they'll have of, of what it felt like to be raised in your family. And so super intentional about that, but curious and always looking for context. * 4:55 - Having ideas to surprise his kids - keeping things secret to * 8:00 - Living a "no capes" kind of life. * 7:50 - So there's some rationale behind living a "no capes" kind of life to not make a big deal about it. If faith is important to somebody listening, then Jesus talked about that. And you know, if you stand on the street corner, make a big deal about it. Yeah, then you get a little golf clap here. But if you just don't, dude go live a no capes kind of life, then you get to talk to Jesus about it forever, which is really a problem for a guy like me who writes books and speaks because I talk about everything, right? And it's not because I'm trying to make people think I'm swell, I just am talking about the thing of the day. And but I realize in doing that, Jesus's words like, you've had your reward. And so I would do a couple of capers that you haven't told anybody about. Just do it because it'd be awesome. * 9:37 - Fainting goats and Sweet Maria * 10:20 - Jeff Zaugg - Adding a "label that adds life" over our kids and spouses * 10:40 - What if we had nicknames for the people we loved? * 12:56 - "And you could do that as an awesome dad to just hover. I think that's the first thing God did over the Earth. He just hovered. Hover over each person your family like, what is kid number one need that I could only uniquely provide them. Because if they need a ride, they could get Uber to provide. They'd give em a ride. But just say, is there something else they uniquely need that only I could provide and then hover over your spouse and hover over a couple of friends for a moment? And did you say, like, what are they uniquely need that only I could provide." * 14:44 - How Bob managed to stay connected to his daughter attending college in Seattle. * 16:43 - Four-part framework for intentional fatherhood -- Sign up at: https://dadawesome.org/life/ * 17:52 - The story of the Wake Up Fairy from Love Does for Kids * 18:47 - Jeff asks Bob to be the "Wake Up Fairy" for dads * 19:19 - A challenge to dads: "Quit your job. Like, literally that's it. I would say nine out of 10 of the people I know, male and female, are in jobs that were great on the day they got them, but they've changed. New Day, New You. And still, there you've changed. And the job didn't. And so I would just say just quit." * 21:32 - Story of a pediatric brain surgeon who quit his job. "No, he actually really loves what he does. He just needed to reconnect with his family. And when he got that right, then everything sort of fallen into place." * 22:24 - Sometimes we wait for, you know, just all the right things to line up before we make a move. What about make the move and then say, OK, so this is a fixed point. What needs to change and you're going to figure it out. All the things that made you successful in the previous job will make you successful. * 22:59 - "That was a stupid economic move, but it was an awesome new creation move, and I think that's where we want to do. Start making some really neat new creation moves... to actually live in it... why not actually live like see yourself in the mirror is like, what is Bob possible? * 25:09 - "Constantly saying; "what's possible", not what's familiar, but sometimes the familiar will get in the way of what's actually possible" * 28:02 - Bob's stories about what he is learning from his time at San Quentin State Prison * 32:19 - "There's something really beautiful. I think we can do that as you continue with this work, you're doing with DadAWESOME that everybody gets fed. Somehow they get what they need, but you got to know what you want and you got to overcome what's just merely available and say, get your head on a swivel and say, What's actually what could I do to influence what I want?" * 33:27 - Bob's prayer * The Intentional Forty

Episode Links: * Bob's NEW Book - Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy. * Bob's Other Books * Bob on Instagram

dadAWESOME Links: * https://dadawesome.org/intentional/ * https://dadawesome.org/life/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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40 new experiences; things I've never done in my life... Instead of moving towards comfort and rhythms and things I've already done before, I am intentionally adding new things because I want to stay curious. I want to be a learner... I want to stay humble. I want to be in this growth mindset.

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Jeff Zaugg Jeff and Michelle Zaugg will celebrate 16 years of marriage this coming July. They currently live in a 37 foot RV with their 4 young daughters. After 10-years of entrepreneurial non-profit ministry leadership, Jeff served as a pastor at Substance Church in the Twin Cities for the past 7 years. In Fall 2020 Jeff took the leap and went full-time fatherhood ministry. He is the founder and lead cheerleader at dadAWESOME & FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS. When he’s not wrestling or playing hide and seek with his daughters, you might find Jeff out for a bike ride, making a pour over coffee, sitting by a fire with his wife or challenging some friends to a game of Spikeball.

Show Notes: * :49 - if you missed the last two weeks episode 211 and 212 Seth Dahl * 1:36 - I turned 40 a few days ago and I've actually been off social media for the past 40 days... an anticipation season, trying to narrow my focus, spend time with my family, try to push away some distractions * 01:58 - Today as we drop this episode run day 98 of the dadAWESOME RV tour, we're in Orlando, Florida right now and so grateful we are still traveling... * 2:28 - "I think in general, as I get older and as most of us dads get a little older, it is easy to play it safe and to coast." * 3:01 - STORY about the RIP TIDE -- Byron Bay, Australia * 6:31 - "The reason I shared this Riptide story in Byron Bay, Australia, is, I think at the age of 40 at the age... at every single new season, new chapter we can. If we're not careful, we will end up being drawn and we will drift and be pulled in the direction of the world. In the direction of comfort, in the direction of of more is better. In the direction of this is just the direction we get pulled in the next phase. More busyness, more hustle. And I think intentionality requires us to fight against the pull that we're drawn towards." * 7:43 - I've decided to take on what I call THE INTENTIONAL FORTY. It's a challenge. The Intentional Forty - https://dadawesome.org/intentional/ * 7:53 - "My girls right now this season of my life, they can notice they're old enough now to notice Where's dad's focus? Where where am I running after? What am I? What am I putting extra energy towards? And do they see me coasting and drifting and being drawn in the direction of every other dad? Or do they see a dad who with courage says, I'm going to chart a different course?" * 8:53 - "My girls, when they turn 40, are going to know that their dad put emphasis on these four areas, and the intentional 40 just gives a practical reason to get intentional in these four areas." * 9:04 - "So 10 of my 40 experiences are going to be with my wife, Michelle" * 9:36 - "Ten of these experiences are with my daughters." * 11:00 - "The next 10 are with friends, so I've friendships are so important. My girls, when they turn 40, are going to know their dad was intentional with friendships." * 11:32 - "the final 10 or with mentors. So I'm going to intentionally. Most of my mentors are kind of in the 50 to 80 years old season of life, and I'm going to pursue them and ask them where you spent a couple of hours do this experience." * 12:06 - "I am going to do 40 new experiences, things I've never done in my life and as a 40 year old. Instead of going towards comfort and rhythms and things I've already done before, I am intentionally trying to do new things because I want to stay curious. I want to be a learner, I want to. I want to stay humble. I want to be in this growth mindset." * 12:41 - These are four building blocks. These are anchors to what I think are the most important things mentorship, friendship, marriage in my time with my girls. So so I'm doing this intentional 40 challenge. * 13:44 - https://dadawesome.org/intentional/ * 14:25 -- 1 Peter 4:7-11 TPT "Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another...." * 15:23 -- Proverbs 24:3-4 TPT "Wise people are builders — they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership, the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth."

• https://dadawesome.org/intentional/

Episode Links: * https://dadawesome.org/intentional/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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"Peace is the atmosphere of heaven... peace is the oxygen of heaven. It's everywhere in heaven. It is just like righteousness, peace and joy are the kingdom of God. It already belongs to us, Jesus said, I give you my peace, I leave you, not as the world gives..."

dadAWESOME

We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Seth Dahl Seth Dahl is a writer and worldwide speaker to adults and children. He is known for his powerful wisdom communicated through a contagious joy and childlikeness. Seth and Lauren love to empower families to build a strong connection that fosters peace and creates a thriving family culture. Seth, Lauren and their three children homestead with a large garden and handful of animals on a small farm in Texas.

With over 15 years experience working with children and being a children’s pastor, Seth has cultivated a passion to help parents create a thriving family culture at home. Sometimes parenting is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Seth and Lauren love being able to equip people with the practical and spiritual tools they need to create the thriving family culture they’ve always dreamed of.

Show Notes: * Part 1 of this conversation with Seth Dahl - https://dadawesome.org/211/ * 2:09 - Facebook Messenger for Kids * 4:18 - Documentary - The Social Dilemma - https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/ * Joshua 1:9 "I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go." * 7:37 "I need to take one step at a time... I need to step back from social media and then get a better look..." * 15:36 - "I watched those movies so I can intentionally shut the door... I'm not afraid of it. I want them to learn this with me before they're out there learning it on their own...." * 16:17 - "I do at the movies. I'm probably going to have to do it. They're just like, I've done it with the knives. You're not going to go play with knives by yourself and hide because you can play with your knives with me and you're you're trusted and you're safe and you've developed it. And I feel totally confident my kid carrying a knife when he's old enough in his pocket and being fine." * 17:49 - Peace is the atmosphere of heaven... Bill Jones would say peace is the oxygen of heaven. And so it's, you know, it's everywhere in heaven. It is just like righteousness, peace and joy are the kingdom of God. So it's. It's important it matters." * 18:25 - "the world is like, Hey, you can have peace when everything's good and God's like, No, I'm going to give it to you in the middle of the storm so you can not so you can survive the storm so you can change the storm... So the storm can't survive you. Peace is not like the world. So when all the problems are gone, then you have peace. But God is like no. In the middle of all the problems, I will give you peace so you can not just be OK, you can actually do something about it." * 19:33 - There is a difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking, right, and sometimes peacekeeping means it's not actual real peace." * 20:57 - "We bought this notebook that's called, "people I want to punch in the face"... this doesn't sound very Christian." * 22:07 - "We are going to respond in the opposite spirit and we are going to pray for them and I ask him, I say, Do you want to hold on to all that or do you want to let it go? I want to let it go. Do you want those things to start driving the decisions that you make in the way you treat people? Or do you want to be in charge of who the decisions you make and how you change? I want to be in charge. OK, let's let it go. Let's do it. Let's forgive. And so we pray"

Episode Links: * https://sethdahl.com/ * Seth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethdahl/ * Raising Spirit-Led Kids: Guiding Kids to Walk Naturally in the Supernatural * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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I'm trying to reawaken something inside you. I'm trying to reawaken something that was lost. And this is who you are and and this is trying to stop it. Keep going. Keep hunting. Do it...

dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Seth Dahl Seth Dahl is a writer and worldwide speaker to adults and children. He is known for his powerful wisdom communicated through a contagious joy and childlikeness. Seth and Lauren love to empower families to build a strong connection that fosters peace and creates a thriving family culture. Seth, Lauren and their three children homestead with a large garden and handful of animals on a small farm in Texas.

With over 15 years experience working with children and being a children’s pastor, Seth has cultivated a passion to help parents create a thriving family culture at home. Sometimes parenting is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Seth and Lauren love being able to equip people with the practical and spiritual tools they need to create the thriving family culture they’ve always dreamed of.

Show Notes: * Previous Seth Dahl Interviews on dadAWESOME * 137 | Spirit-Filled Parenting, Hearing God’s Voice, & Shaping our Kids as Arrows (Seth Dahl) * 151 | Raising Spirit-Led Kids Part 2 (Seth Dahl) * 5:09 - South Austin State Park for hiking and seeing the Waterfall: McKinney Falls State Park * 6:34 - "what am I taking my focus off of?" * 7:06 - "I want to get my focus off of all the extra stuff right now" * 7:48 - "What's what's the most priceless valuable thing that we have? The presence of God, right? And God is not distracted. God is not unfocused. I think he's far more present to us than we are to him, and we only discover his presence when we become present with him as well" * 9:00 - "My focus is on becoming focused on being more present and unfocused on all the extra stuff" * 11:43 - "I think we need to push back on this a little bit and we need to go, Hey, let's get outside. Let's let's climb the tree, build a little treehouse platform..." * 12:49 "Every time I go hunting, there are so many opportunities for me to receive shame. So, you know, hunting is very connected to being a man, being a provider...." * 15:27 - "So on the plane, I'm just like. Here I come, Lord, and I go to him and he's like, look, don't don't throw this out. I'm trying to reawaken something inside you. I'm trying to reawaken something that was lost. And this is who you are and and this is trying to stop it. Keep going. Keep hunting. Do it..." * 19:42 - "Kids need to explore dangerous stuff safely." * 20:56 - "Why My Kids Will Lead Yours" -- It's a school in Switzerland that allows children to use real knives, real blades. " * 21:00 - Seth explains the process of teaching his kids to safely use a knife

Episode Links: * https://sethdahl.com/ * Seth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethdahl/ * Raising Spirit-Led Kids: Guiding Kids to Walk Naturally in the Supernatural * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Derick Zwerneman With a life of unique experiences, Derick has served as a husband to 1, father to 3, a firefighter for 25 years, outreach pastor for 9 years, and a network development leader for a disaster relief network for 3 years! He has never met a stranger, and the Joy of the Lord is his strength! His passion is connecting people, and his experiences in emergency services and leading teams. Combining the two is what he does to make connections to further the kingdom of God! Life Quote: "It's Gonna Be Great!"

Show Notes: * 2:27 - "We are NOT a family that are going to be influenced by our surroundings, we're going to influence our surroundings. And you probably heard over and over again, we're not going to be the thermometer as the thermostat. Not in a way of arrogance, but in a way of we're confident" * 3:06 - "If you don't come in with the confidence of knowing that that that you have control over the situation because you have Christ in you." * 4:25 - "Looking back, there was a turning point in that which was incredible. And it's, you know, due to an incredible wife, I've got to give her all the credit. You know, as far as like literally throwing a Bible hit me in the back of the head with Psalm 127" * 6:19 - "it's those little drops of what you do that your kids are picking up as you walk through life." * 9:16 - James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." * 12:25 - "there's things that life are going to. Throw at us as fathers, and we can either take those on our shoulders, let them waist down and just get buried in them, conveying that spirit that hard into our children, right? Or we can take a couple of minutes for a walk in the door. Throw that stuff down, give it to God, say, man, I'm going to. I'm going to pray that this does build endurance and strength in me. But right now I've got a family to lead" * 16:22 - The vision of the straight line.and an intersecting squiggly lines that kept coming across that middle line. * 25:53 - "You may have a knee jerk reaction to like go to the worldly way of dealing with it. But it was in that moment there was like, OK, God, this is the talk that's got to happen, and dad's the one that gets to do it."

Episode Links: * Austin Disaster Relief Network: https://adrn.org/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Don Manning 30+ years of parenting experience, 7 kids of all ages... Don is the CFO of a real estate company and serves on the elder board of Valley Creek Church, a church he and Suzanne helped start over 25 years ago. Suzanne has invested her time as a teacher, wife, mom, homemaker, mentor, girl’s minister, speaker, writer, and most importantly an encourager to everyone she meets.

We have a passion to help families rethink the way they do family-one relationship at a time.

Fun Facts
On Our Journey
Over 40 pets
Over 140 teeth lost
Over 3,200 sporting events… and counting
Over 50 overseas mission trips… and counting
Over 44,000 diapers purchased… no more counting!

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Show Notes: * + 4:55 - "God's ways are crazy. God's ways are different and we really do. What we found in our parenting journey is is that we really did have to do things in a crazy way, really relationally. + 5:44 - "...When family works, it's the best thing you'll ever do in your life, but it beats any sort of ever done. It beats anything because you know when you when your kids love Jesus and they love you and they love each other. It really is crazy. Cool. + 10:23 - "If you're become a student of your wife instead of her critic, you'll be amazed what you learn about family." + 10:36 - "I started seeing relationships being so connection being more important than my instruction." + LINK TO FAMILY DASHBOARD - https://crazycoolfamily.com/relationships/ + 13:49 - "Other than leading your kids to Jesus, getting your kids to be best friends, hardest thing you'll do as a dad and mom and dad, but it's worth it. And it just it started dripping in just that influence" + 16:31 - What I've learned from coming out of my parenting into my own faith is just how to do relationships at a different level. + 18:33 - "what we found was, if we build that in our home, we build this culture where relationships can flourish, like a greenhouse, like the plants would. And we found four elements that were super critical to that." + 18:50 - "we encourage extravagantly and we correct carefully because most parents flip it and they're more critical and less encouraging. And even they qualify their encouragement..." + 21:53 - "when you build that culture, family just works, you know, and we tend to be so concerned about the outside. And I tell parents all the time, it's like if you build it on the inside, well, they're going to face anything on the outside. But because they're ready. I mean, God's with them. And you know, it works." + 29:13 -"our example is more important than your instruction" + 29:35 - "OK, kids, what do we need to do? What do we need to talk about? They said, You know, what do we do that was helped you? They said all you did was you walk with Jesus and you talked about it.

Episode Links: * Crazy Cool Family: Rethink the Way You Do Family * https://crazycoolfamily.com/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Matt Anderson Matt and his wife, Robin, have been leading in local church ministry for almost 25 years. They’ve served churches in Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Arizona. Matt and Robin met in college, at Anderson University (Indiana). They love desert living with their three boys: Connor (2001), Calvin (2004), and Charlie (2010). Together, Matt and Robin love traveling to new places, exploring great restaurants, and long walks. Matt loves being outside - hiking, running, and golf. He’s a fan of college sports (War Eagle!) and all things SEC even though they live in the southwest. Matt and Robin love being a part of the local church and God’s mission to redeem and restore all people through the love of Jesus.

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Show Notes: * 2:35 - Andy Stanley Quote: "Relationships are built on small, consistent deposits of time. You can't cram for what's most important. If you want to connect with your kids, you've got to be available consistently, not randomly" * 3:18 - When it comes to parenting, you can't get near the end and just cram a bunch in and hope that it sticks. It's more about the long game... these little investments of time over time, which will pay off in the long haul." * 4:02 - ... "his goal of parenting and what they kept in their minds was they wanted their kids to come home after they left home. They wanted their kids to have a relationship with them that they could invest over the long haul. * 5:36 - "We would go away some summers for three weeks and no distractions out of town. So we're not here where work is calling and the different things are calling. And it was this summer rhythm that our kids grew to love and we grew to love because, I mean, uninterrupted, two to three weeks with your family in a place away from home, away from the normal, I would say that's one of the things I've been most thankful for..." * 7:45 - Story of Matt's dad and his grandfather * 9:34 - "I grew up without a grandfather on that side, and my dad never knew really the approval of his father that all of us need. I think we all need to know that our our fathers look at us and say, I approve of you. You know, I'm I'm proud of you. I love you. And so my dad intentionally because he didn't get that, did that with us. He he continually. We never we never doubted that our parents loved us." * 11:35 - "I think we all grew up in an environment. We all grew up with a certain perspective. And if we're not intentional, we just repeat so many rhythms of our past, including the painful pieces that can can really hurt kids over time" * 12:02 - Story of when Matt's parents divorced * 13:33 - "For Robin and I, I think we've really said we're going to choose our family. You know, we we choose each other even in the difficult moments. Like I said, her and I are opposites, so we we see things very differently. Our perspective on parenting many times is very, very different. But we remind ourselves we're on the same team. At the end of the day, we've we've chosen each other and we're going to continue to choose each other and we're going to choose our family over just about everything else because we believe this is how God will be honored in our lives, in our kids lives. And so we just choose it. We make a decision to choose our family" * 15:32 - "The the way that I was parenting my oldest was destroying our relationship mine and his relationship. And I remember sitting down as a hard conversation. I remember Robin saying to me, You're you're you're going to to ruin your relationship long term with Connor if you don't change some things." * 16:06 - "Robin and I made a conscious decision to, in a sense, switch roles that was early high school with him, late middle school, early high school. I step back for more the authoritarian type role, and she stepped into that role and I stepped more into a relational role with him through that season." * 17:11 - "I was the one always on him about homework, about tests that were coming up, even about sports, you know, practicing and all of those things. And I intentionally stepped back, disengaged from much of the homework discussion, much of the test discussion, not all of it. Like, I didn't become a hands off dad, but I step back, let her step into that role and I step more into the encouraging, just supportive. Anything I can help you with kind of a role. * 18:35 - "my number one thing that I would coach on is what you are modeling is what they're going to repeat..." * 21:29 - "kids need to see their dad's emotions. The gentle emotions that the the emotions of pain they need to see their dads cry at times and not in a in a fake way, but they need to see that we're emotional people." * 23:59 - Normalizing conversation * Message from Matt and Robin on Parenting * 27:10 - You know, when's the right time? And we felt like in that fourth to fifth grade age range and in the sixth grade, they were going to start hearing plenty on intimacy and sex and all of that. And so we wanted to try to get on the front end of the conversation. * 28:34 - "that's really our responsibility as we get to introduce our kids to God and the way that we parent. We're saying a lot. We're teaching our kids a lot about who their Heavenly Father is..." * 29:01 - "Just be intentional. Don't just go with the flow. And Paul says this in Romans don't just go go with the flow of culture, because if you go with the flow of culture, you're going to end up in a broken place. So be intentional. Let God, you know, change you by transforming, by changing the way that you think. So be intentional. Open your mind to God's spirit. Be intentional in your parenting" * 29:46 - "Just don't quit like it. The stakes are too high. Don't give up yet. Like, keep parenting, stay engaged. Parenting changes. You've got to change the way you parent when they get in middle school and high school. But don't don't quit parenting. Don't try to be a friend too early. The friendship will come later, which I'm finding is true as the kids get into. As my oldest is in college, we have this different kind of relationship that's more of a friendship, and I still get to mentor and parent in some ways, but it's so beautiful to see. Don't start too early. Like, stay in the game." * 30:28 - Matt's Prayer

Episode Links: * https://mcdowell.church/ * MESSAGE WITH THE PRACTICAL PARENTING TIPS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Show Notes: * 0:59 - "As turn the calendar and look to the year 2022, I want to take an episode and set up some worship and a perspective of how big God is and how little our current stresses are..." * 2:37 - My Daughters Share a Video Recording to encourage mommy to trust God to Provide * 3:10 - Matthew 6:25-27 - “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]? * 3:50 - "My daughters helped remind us of this promise. That worry does not help things. Worry is not setting us up for God's best. Worry is trusting in ourselves, and I want to start the year 2020 trusting God" * 4:22 - This song is by Sean Curran, and it's called bigger than I thought * 4:38 - Guys, our heavenly father is for us. Our Heavenly Father wants to remind us this is not about us figuring out what we can accomplish under our own strength. And there's the bridge to this song talks about I will rest in the father's hands, leave the rest in the father's hands like we don't have to carry it all that we are called to store or touch. We're dads of action DadAWESOME. We're not sitting back and just saying it'll all be OK, whatever. But God does not want us to start 2020 to God does not want us to to lead this fatherhood journey from a place of we're stressed out, we're worried and we're relying on ourselves.

Bigger Than I Thought Speak to me
When the silence steals my voice
You understand me
You understand me
Come to me
In the valley of unknowns
You understand me
You understand me

You understand me, God
You understand me

So I throw all my cares before You
My doubts and fears don’t scare You
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought
So I stop all negotiations
With the God of all creation
You’re bigger than I thought You were
You’re bigger than I thought You were

I believe
But help my unbelief
You understand me
You understand me
Help me reach
The faith that’s underneath
You understand me
You understand me

I will rest
In the Father’s hands
Leave the rest
In the Father’s hands

WRITTEN BY SEAN CURRAN, NATALIE SIMS & ALLEN SWOOPE
© 2019 Worship Together Music / sixsteps Songs / Sounds Of Jericho (Admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) / Lead And Yellow Publishing (BMI) (admin. by Round Hill Music) / This Is Swoope’s (ASCAP)

• 10:27 Here's what I think happens when we have a small perspective of God and we have this big perspective of ourselves and the weight that we need to carry. I think we make a mess of things. We make a mess of our lives, of our families... when we put all the weight on our own shoulders. We trust in ourselves
• 11:00 - Story of my daughter Zara and the mess she makes when she eats
• 13:56 - "This is my life. God is trying to give me good gifts at a good rate, at a good pace that I can handle for my age and my responsibility level, right? God is trying. He's setting us up with blessings. "
• 14:23 "I'm not managing stresses. I'm a manager of good gifts, good blessings. That's what I'm managing. It's so easy to complain about what's going on in life. When I am managing God's good gifts that he is, he is trickled into my life and I'm complaining about it. Like, it's so common that we we enter a worry and we make our lives a mess because we don't trust our heavenly father. We don't trust him."
• 15:06 - 1 Peter 5:1-11 (Advice for Elders and Young Men)
• 1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
• 2Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you.
• Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—
• not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
• 3Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
• 4And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
• 5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
• “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”a
• 6So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
• 7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
• 8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
• 9Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
• 10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.
• So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
• 11All power to him forever! Amen.
• 17:39 - "I pray that we would start the year 2022 to with a posture of worship versus a posture of worry, a posture of trusting God versus a posture of struggle and trying to do it on her own. A posture of God's bigness. He is so much bigger and we need to keep that perspective of he knows best. His ways are bigger and wider and deeper and strong. Guys, we have a limited perspective. Let's choose to worship versus worry."

Episode Links: * Worship Song = Bigger Than I Thought (SEAN CURRAN) * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Matt Fogle Matt grew up as a wild middle child in rural IL and now lives in AZ with his wife Jen and 4 kids. For over ten years Matt has been a pastor in TX & IL & AZ. He’s a spiritual director, pastor, and retreat guide that works with multiple non-profits in the areas of leadership development and spiritual formation.

Show Notes: * LIVE WITH RHYTHM. LEAVE A LEGACY. FINISH WELL. https://harborministries.com/ * Episode 81 | Adjust the Pace, Live with SELF-CONTROL & Hear God’s Voice (Tim Bohlke) * 3:57 - Matthew, 11, Jesus's invitation in Matthew, 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” * 6:00 - "I've been in a radical pursuit of trying to figure out how do I learn not only how do I learn these unforced rhythms, but how do I demonstrate in a way to others that makes them feel like, oh, I could enter into that rhythm of life too" * 6:49 - "learn to live or to live freely and lightly or, as most translations say. Take my yoke upon you, you know, because I am gentle and humble in heart. So that's where Eugene Peterson, when he translates the message that we're gentle, unforced, right, unforced rhythms" * book mentioned: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane C. Ortlund * 9:00 - "What's God's heart gentle and lowly, humble... And to be a parent like that to enter into a relationship, whatever stage? Or I mean, even if you have a grown kids to constantly be in a posture of gentleness towards them. It doesn't have to go my way." * 9:36 - "Maybe God is the primary agent of my kids spiritual formation, not me. And so it's my job to ask good questions and listen and be patient along the journey" * 10:22 - speedboat versus sailboat * 11:48 - "I love that illustration when it comes to life in rhythm with Jesus is, are we developing a motor boat mentality? By the way, we're living, are we in control or we telling God what direction we want to go and how fast we want to go? You know, specifically with our marriages and with our kids, are we the ones telling God, I want you to do this in my kids life and I want you? I want him to look like this or her to look like that? Or are we hoisting up our sails every day and saying, God, however you want to blow into my sails, however you want to blow into their sails helped me to be a good, like, non anxious cooperative friend" * 13:48 - "in small ways and big ways, we can hoist up our sales daily and trust that the wind of God, the spirit of God, is going to blow into our sales and move us in the direction at the pace that he is setting, which is so un-American." * 17:16 - Parker Palmer Clearness Committee - short video: https://vimeo.com/139027540 * 17:24 - "We gathered some friends. So remember there was a handful of friends that didn't have any emotional attachment to our decision. So that's key. Yeah, is find people that just are working for your good and for discernment" * 22:01 - "I'm a huge believer in that. Jesus meets everybody in the gospels where they're at and invites them to take the next step from where they're at..." * 25:39 - Lazy Dad Games * 26:06 - "We learned early on that when we prepare for the morning, the next day, we're teaching our kids how to set intentional things out for the next day. So the next morning is an anxious and hurried right." * 26:42 - Imaginative Prayer: A Yearlong Guide for Your Child's Spiritual Formation ( Jared Patrick Boyd ) * 27:50 - Winnie the Poo -- "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" * S2 Episode 5 | Gospel Clarity on Parenting -- Life in Rhythm Podcast * https://podcasts.apple.com/lu/podcast/s2-episode-5-gospel-clarity-on-parenting/id1545668466?i=1000535126316 * 29:02 - "we put these heavy. Things on ourselves that God is not laying on us at all. And we put pressure where there doesn't need to be pressure, we put obligations on it. And honestly, it turns into a pride thing. Not a humble thing" * 30:22 - "Proverbs 4:23 that out of the overflow of the heart like, comes everything. So guard your heart above all else for from it flows springs of living order." * 30:55 - "if you want your kids to overflow with life, you've got to be connected to living water and you are parched. And it really is nobody else's responsibility. But yours to say no to a lot of good things..." * 31:30 - "it's going to take intentionality and it's going to take you guarding your heart above all else. For from it flows living water. And this is meant to be an overflow journey, not one of scarcity, but one where you are being filled up daily to be poured out like a reservoir to fill your kids up and your wife and you can do it. And it's an invitation piece. It's not... God's not going to ever make you do this. You've got to take him up on his invitation."

Episode Links: * https://www.disciplepathway.com/ * Book - Field Guide for SPACE * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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Show Notes: * 1:35 - "Part of the dad life is you have expectations and you think it's going to be like this and it's like that. And that is the story of Christmas, and that is the story of Joseph. So Jesus earthly father Joseph, he experienced disappointment beyond what we could ever imagine. I wanted to just I wanted to riff on the story of Joseph for just a few minutes" * 2:44 - "I want to grow in these areas and be more like Joseph, the father of Jesus. So here's these three fatherhood insights from the life of Joseph" * 2:55 - Matthew 1:19 "Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly." * 4:35 - So he did not react in the moment. He paused. That's the first fatherhood principle. He paused. Joseph paused. * 4:53 - "I have a I have a problem with pausing. Often I react my. My first reaction, guys, is to react in a reactive fatherhood, reactive. In my marriage, being a husband who is reactive in the moment responds with emotion and frustration causes so many problems. And if Joseph could in this kind of setting, if Joseph could pause..." * 5:37 - Story - hiking Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ * 9:20 - Matthew 1:20 "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream" * 9:42 - He went beyond the pause to a consideration he considered he. He pondered he he thought about what's the right course of action forward" * 10:57 - Matthew 1:24 "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife" -- Guys, I think the consideration in the pause are the set up for God revealing direction for us in our fatherhood. That's what happened with Joseph. His pause in his consideration led to the Lord appearing to him in a dream. An angel appeared to him in a dream and gave him clarity, gave him insight that took the devastation and put it back to a place of hope and of I'm a part of a bigger miracle. * 12:05 - "What starts is devastation. The woman I'm engaged to, this is Joseph thinking. The woman I'm engaged to, has betrayed my confidence, has broken this pledge has has become pregnant from another man. Instead of that, she. Instead, the pause in the consideration led to Joseph realizing he's right at the center of a miracle." * 13:56 - We need these three things these fatherhood principles the pause, the consideration, and we need guidance. We need to follow that guidance, not follow our own insights and strategies, especially when devastation. Don't trust your own. I don't want to trust my own insights and guidance when when it when it when loss or a change of plans caused me to be emotionally reactive. I want to pause. I want to consider and I want to follow God's will lead God's guidance." * 14:35 - Joseph had three other miraculous dreams. * 15:01 - Joseph actually has a pattern of multiple times hearing angelic, miraculous guidance in his dreams, and I believe it's from a posture of his heart was at a place where he had calmness in the place of devastation. And it's from pausing and considering and following the voice of our heavenly father. * 15:24 - God trusted Joseph with his son, Jesus, and got his trust in each of us with these precious kids in my prayer for you" * 16:13 - Jeff's Closing Prayer

Episode Links: * Another Podcast Episode about JOSEPH (Becoming A King - Morgan Snyder) * Christmas book - The Indescribable Gift. Blending tradition, biblical story, historical fact, and sanctified imagination, Richard Exley uses words like chisels and scalpels to unveil the heart of the Incarnation. You don’t want to miss a chance to add this collection of beautifully imagined eyewitness accounts to your holiday library. * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Zack Curry Zack Curry is the Lead Pastor at Jesus Culture San Diego. Zack experienced a significant move of God in high school that marked his life forever. His passion is to see love released on campuses and see schools transformed by God. For the past 15 years Zack’s ministered to high school and college students, raising them up as leaders heading into all areas of society to see cultural transformation. He is passionate about community and family. He believes healthy people and thriving relationships are the true measure of success. He leads from a desire to see lives and cities transformed by an encounter with Jesus. Zack and his wife Melissa delight in their three wonderful daughters.

60-Day Fitness Challenge * Join the dadAWESOME MURPH on Saturday, February 12th, 2022 * WHY? Winter is an easy time to step back and take it easy. We are challenging dads to get stronger this winter. * WHAT? We are launching a 60-day MURPH training plan leading up to Saturday, February 12th, 2022 * WHEN? It starts this week and the actual event can be on or around Saturday, February 12th. * WHERE? Anywhere. Your basement, gym, playground, RV or wherever you can find open space and a pull-up bar. * HOW? We will support you through a SLACK group with a professional athletic trainer creating workout plans and answering your questions. (we will send you an invitation to SLACK after you register) * DIFFICULTY LEVEL? You can do a 1/2 MURPH or FULL or add the weight of your kids to make it harder. Here's the standard challenge started specifically to honor Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 28th, 2005: 1 mile run
300 air squats
200 pushups
100 pull-ups
1 mile run * KIDS JOINING ME? We are adding a gamification system to encourage you to include your kids in the actual February 12th, 2022 workout challenge. Place them on your back or on your shoulders... Strap on your baby to add some weight for the pull-ups. Invite your kids to run or bike along with you on your two 1-mile runs.

JOIN the 60-Day Challenge

Show Notes: * Episode 83 - https://dadawesome.org/episode83/ * 6:21 - "For me, as a father, it's prioritizing that role, this sacred role, privilege of being a father" * 7:21 - "This is a sacred call, an honor. And to you have to prioritize it" * 8:41 - "one of my indicators and the lights that come on for me is when I get frustrated or angry" * 10:56 - "as a dad, I care for my kids deeply and I'm in scenarios where I actually don't know what to do. So I feel out of control. And so then my default is frustration" * 18:58 - "We love the concept of adventure. But I think for a lot of us in our own lives, the unknown can paralyze us and keep us where we know we're safe, we have control..." * 20:36 - "we could just sit here all day and tell stories of why do we believe God's real? Because we've seen it in our life over and over when we couldn't do it in the big and the small way?" * 22:07 - "we want to do it for them or fix it or solve it when you know we can actually help guide them through and say, Hey, OK, is that is that true? Is like, what is God say about that? And then like, Hey, we're like teaching them to bring it to God, invite God and teach them to say, OK, yeah, it is impossible from you can't do it. But what would happen if God helped you like? Then it becomes these, you know, like in the Old Testament, where you have these memorial stones that you build and say, Oh, OK, and you're and you're along their journey teaching them to say, Hey, remember when God did this for you? Not for me? They're watching us. But you're like, Maybe when you did that for you, that's a memorial stone in your journey. Look back..." * 23:40 - "one of the values for me with my daughters is to be connected to their heart. So like, so they feel I just want them to always be able to talk to me" * 25:22 - "teaching them to dream a little bit bigger, not just settle with, OK, yeah, what? What's the truth? What does God say" * 27:06 - "we did this challenge. There were four parts to it. We said, Hey, we want to build a rhythm of adventure, which is like taking care of our soul for us individually and for us, for our kids. We're like, Hey. So it's kind of broken up into a weekly, monthly, quarterly and then yearly." * 27:30 - once a week, go on an adventure * 27:48 - monthly, go do an overnight or full day type of activity * 28:05 - quarterly is like planned, like an adventure that is substantial * 28:13 - a once a year epic kind of trip * 33:56 - "this is probably my philosophy on parenthood. And, you know, as a dad is just invited to be a part of it. So we just we were outside of a need, you know, for anything healing provision, any of those areas we teach our girls that God is good, that he's powerful, that he you know, he. He's alive and moving like these are truths that are true in every season. Good, bad, hard..." * 37:21 - do the work to grow, to go deeper... Don't run away from the hard things or not to label it as failure or yourself is failure. But listen, we have this is the kingdom of God." * 38:13 - "Don't run away from it. Dive into that because in it, your pain, your weakness actually...Paul said that his power is made perfect and our weakness"

Episode Links: * Jesus Culture San Diego * https://jesusculture.com/podcasts/show/man-camp/ * https://dadawesome.org/strong/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Simon Osamoh Simon Osamoh is a British American, raised in Reading, England. When he emigrated to the States in 2011, he took charge as
Head of Counter Terrorism at Mall of America in Minnesota... Born to a Nigerian father and British mother, his parents separated before he was born. Growing up mixed race in white neighborhoods, and without a father he battled validation and his own identity for many years.

Simon now coaches young men to never give up, and that adversity can become your greatest gift. He is a nationally known speaker, entrepreneur, author, mindset and podcast coach, and the Host of the Who I Became Podcast where he interviews impactful individuals who share their life stories.

Show Notes: * https://dadawesome.org/tour/ * 4:36 - "I've never met the man that brought into my world. I'm a color of skin for someone I've never met and it just has a lot of questions and challenges. But I've had in my life, but I have never considered myself to be a victim. I sort of move past adversities and sure to come out through part of my my story today." * 7:33 - "what I knew I wanted to do when I became a husband and a father is I wanted to try and give my sons what I was missing. But that hasn't come without challenges..." * 16:38 - "my son knows because he can always hear me. What he remembers about his games is that my dad was the loudest. My dad was shouting, and it's intentional. The reason why I do that, I scream over every other father there because I want Mason to remember when he's 21, 25, 40, 70, whatever it is, and I'm no longer there. His memory would be, You know what? My dad was the loudest... My dad was the loudest person at my game, and that's the memory, because that's what I never had." * 17:55 - "I might not always communicated it because I'm human and I make mistakes. But please never underestimate the significance that you have to me " * 20:14 - "I believe in you. And I always knew that if you could walk in the light, but you could achieve greatness" * 20:25 - "I started to say to myself, If not me, then who" * 21:21 - "I asked myself, if not me, then who? If I'm not going to be that role model for a stranger, then who is, you know, I'm feeling called to make sure people know the best someone they're rooting for them might not always be to give you the answer, but you want to hear. But if not me, then who? And I believe we can all start a lot more in our own lives." * 23:41 - "I was seeking validation from a father that never came." * 26:36 - "Let's focus on what I can control. I can't control the past, but I can control the future. And there's going to be a time when my sons, as they do now at eight and 11, they're going to ask me questions about my dad and I need to give them some, some answers." * 29:57 - "what I try and say to my sons and I would encourage your listeners is to just keep driving forward. Sometimes we set really large goals, but I don't. I just move, you know, one percent. How can I get one percent better each time? And that's what I say to my sons son's."

Episode Links: * https://www.simonosamoh.com/ * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Tony DiLorenzo Tony DiLorenzo is the Amazon bestselling author of 7 Days of Sex Challenge, Connect Like You Did When You First Met, and other books. Tony believe that the healthy combination of sex, love, and commitment is more than the foundation of a strong marriage… it’s the glue that will keep a marriage together.

Listen to his weekly podcast, ONE Extraordinary Marriage Show, at OneExtraordinaryMarriage.com, where nothing is off limits when it comes to the many aspects of marriage.

Tony has been married to his beautiful wife, Alisa, for 25 years and together they have a son and a daughter. He lives in San Diego, CA

Show Notes: * https://dadawesome.org/tour/ * Episode 201 - PART 1 * Book - The 6 Pillars of Intimacy: The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage + Emotional Intimacy
This Pillar involves a closeness created through sharing each other's feelings, thoughts, and desires.
This is both verbal and non-verbal communication. It’s more than just, “Can we talk?” + Physical Intimacy
Think of this Pillar as every type of loving touch. This can be holding hands, a hug, a kiss, or even cuddling.
You were designed to be touched. It's answering the question, "How do you like to be touched?" + Financial Intimacy
This Pillar is the sharing of your financial situation.
It's developing a plan for your finances, from how much you spend on date night, to joint accounts, to planning for retirement. This is more than,
"We need to talk about the budget..." + Spiritual Intimacy
Think of this Pillar as religious beliefs and observed religious practices. This can be as simple as praying together, going to church together, or discussing
spiritual issues as a couple. This answers the question, "How are we spiritual together?" + Recreational Intimacy
What you do together at home, or on dates, or just for fun, is what this Pillar is about. It's the plans the two of you make to spend time together, doing things you enjoy. When this is working, you don’t sit in the
driveway playing the "What do you want to do?" game. + Sexual Intimacy
This is the Pillar that encompasses everything about your sexual connection with your spouse. This can be romance, initiating, foreplay, and sexual intercourse.
There’s no two ways about it: Sex is h-e-a-l-t-h-y. But this intimacy goes way beyond, "Hey, wanna have sex?" * https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ * You Need A Budget: https://www.youneedabudget.com/ * 4:10pm - Proverbs 27:23-27 -- Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

Episode Links: * The 6 Pillars of Intimacy: The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage * https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com/ * Tony's Podcast * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Tony DiLorenzo Tony DiLorenzo is the Amazon bestselling author of 7 Days of Sex Challenge, Connect Like You Did When You First Met, and other books. Tony believe that the healthy combination of sex, love, and commitment is more than the foundation of a strong marriage… it’s the glue that will keep a marriage together.

Listen to his weekly podcast, ONE Extraordinary Marriage Show, at OneExtraordinaryMarriage.com, where nothing is off limits when it comes to the many aspects of marriage.

Tony has been married to his beautiful wife, Alisa, for 25 years and together they have a son and a daughter. He lives in San Diego, CA

Show Notes * https://dadawesome.org/tour/ * 4:57 - Rainbows and Unicorns - "Twenty fourth anniversary. She made a little post and she she just talked about, Hey, it was not all rainbows and unicorns. And she said, Hey, we didn't know how to be married. This is when you started. We didn't know how to communicate with each other. We didn't know how to make our relationship a priority. We didn't know how to juggle being parents and being spouses. We didn't know to be each other's lover and truly in those moments with one another. Basically, she goes on to say, we still don't know. So as the leaders of one extraordinary marriage, she she's she's goes public with it. We still don't know. We're learning, we're growing" * 8:38 - "I truly want men around me who I can call at the drop of a hat and or text and just be like, Man, I need some prayer right now. I need somebody to talk to. Can we just go like once a month, just grab a coffee together? And I remember just praying that prayer in and it didn't happen like overnight." * 11:07 - Taking that time and reading to them in bed. * 13:55 - Walk and talks * 15:37 - We schedule sex and that's been a habit we've been doing for 12 years now. Yeah. And that has kept our sexual intimacy on course from all those years. We came to an agreement 12 years ago that we wanted to have sex twice a week, and doing that has really created an ability for us to engage one another when it happens, which is great." * 17:44 - We were never taught? Or does it teach us that we never saw it? So we're looking up to those around us mentors, parents, grandparents, whoever, and they never did it. So why would we? * The 6 Pillars of Intimacy: The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage + Emotional Intimacy
This Pillar involves a closeness created through sharing each other's feelings, thoughts, and desires.
This is both verbal and non-verbal communication. It’s more than just, “Can we talk?” + Physical Intimacy
Think of this Pillar as every type of loving touch. This can be holding hands, a hug, a kiss, or even cuddling.
You were designed to be touched. It's answering the question, "How do you like to be touched?" + Financial Intimacy
This Pillar is the sharing of your financial situation.
It's developing a plan for your finances, from how much you spend on date night, to joint accounts, to planning for retirement. This is more than,
"We need to talk about the budget..." + Spiritual Intimacy
Think of this Pillar as religious beliefs and observed religious practices. This can be as simple as praying together, going to church together, or discussing
spiritual issues as a couple. This answers the question, "How are we spiritual together?" + Recreational Intimacy
What you do together at home, or on dates, or just for fun, is what this Pillar is about. It's the plans the two of you make to spend time together, doing things you enjoy. When this is working, you don’t sit in the
driveway playing the "What do you want to do?" game. + Sexual Intimacy
This is the Pillar that encompasses everything about your sexual connection with your spouse. This can be romance, initiating, foreplay, and sexual intercourse.
There’s no two ways about it: Sex is h-e-a-l-t-h-y. But this intimacy goes way beyond, "Hey, wanna have sex?" * 22:55 - "But as a couple, you look at them together and go, which ones have cracks? Which ones are strong? And how do we continue to strive and go after the extraordinary we desire?" * 23:57 - Emotional intimacy, obviously our verbal and nonverbal communication? How are we? How are we engaging our spouse? And so for many, it's just what we get. We get caught up in the day today. As dads, we get caught up in the day to day. Is the provider taking care of the yard? Maybe our toys, maybe wanting to go out to this or do that. But how are we really engaging our spouse? What are we doing on the regular that allows them to know that we're here and not just talk about laundry kid's work? I think that's the big thing, * 25:46 - We use the app, the Voxer app, even though we could make a list and wait and talk about. And it's not just punch list of get the groceries or do this is actually lets me hear her tone and hear how is she doing, really? And then I can listen to that when I'm, you know, when I get done with this recording with you or is. So Voxer has been actually a tool that allows us to communicate more and to understand her heart. * 26:15 - Walk and talk, but it could be a driving and dive. It could be a coffee chat, whatever that may be. That works for you guys. * 27:07 - Physical Intimacy - "All your loving touches. This is not. This is does not mean sexual touch. This is like kisses holding hands. Hand on the knee, cuddling, hugging." * 28:45 - (Jeff) These do apply around dads to kids, as well as husband to wife, because I mean, those first things. First of all, we already talked about, like my desire for all four of my daughters, is that I am intentional around putting my arm around and giving them that morning hug when they come down again, the hand on the knee that that emotionally they know that I want to connect and hear their heart and what makes them feel loved. And so. So we really can take this further than just our one extraordinary marriage,

Episode Links: * The 6 Pillars of Intimacy: The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage * https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com/ * Tony's Podcast * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * https://dadawesome.org/tour/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jeff Zaugg Jeff and Michelle Zaugg celebrated 15 years of marriage last summer. They currently live in a 37 foot RV traveling across the United States with their 4 young daughters. After 10-years of entrepreneurial non-profit ministry leadership, Jeff served as a pastor at Substance Church in the Twin Cities for the past 7 years. In Fall 2020 Jeff took the leap and went full-time fatherhood ministry. He is the founder and lead cheerleader at dadAWESOME & FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS. When he's not wrestling or playing hide and seek with his daughters, you might find Jeff out for a bike ride, making a pour over coffee, sitting by a fire with his wife or challenging some friends to a game of Spikeball.

Show Notes: * 1:23 - "When I say become dadAWESOME, it's never been about an arrival or I am dadAWESOME. You're not, I'm more dadAWESOME than you are anything like that. It's a journey of focus and intentionality of saying, I'm going to be dadAWESOME for my kids and I'm becoming. It's a never ending journey of becoming that will continue till we reach heaven, because even as a great grandfather, someday I'm still going to be becoming dadAWESOME. And I think focus matters. Focus matters on this journey. * 2:28 - "A look BACK. This thing started with an idea of, what if we help encourage intentional fatherhood? * 6:03 - A look FORWARD * 6:12 - GOALS: 1. Keep cheering on intentional fatherhood. 2. Keep seeking wisdom, both practical ideas and high level perspectives around intentional fatherhood through interviews on the podcast 3. Keep rallying fathers to train together to do a hard thing on behalf of the fatherless 4. Keep growing partnerships with other like hearted organizations so that we can resource dads further with books and retreats and other things that we're not going to do immediately * 6:49 - "My prayer is that we would awaken a generation of dads that would realize the fact that they have a Heavenly Father who wants to father them. I believe that many of us dads are living as if we were fatherless, so we're accidentally passing on pain to our kids, were passing on hurts to our kids because all of us have imperfect fathers... none of us are perfect fathers. None of us had perfect fathers, but were accidentally, I believe, living as if we were fatherless. When we have a Heavenly Father who wants to bring freedom and healing so that we can pass on LIFE and we can pass on JOY and PEACE and LOVE to our kids, not pain to our kids. So that's I look forward. I'm more passionate than ever." * 8:01 - "My prayer is that every interaction (from dadAWESOME) would just be a nudge in the direction of treasuring the role of being a dad. It is such a gift that we get to be dads. It's such a gift and we've been entrusted these treasures, our kids. And that's my main prayers that any time you interact with dadAWESOME in any way that it would nudge you in that direction of seeing this as a gift from God that we get to be dads." * 8:57 - IDEA #1 = "I think God wants me to laugh more often with my kids" * 9:52 - Acts 8:8 says. And there was great joy in that city * 10:21 - "May your homes be known as a place that there was great joy found in that home where kids think back about all these years and their dad and say there was great joy that just radiated from my dad. His eyes shined as he belly laughed." * 10:44 - IDEA #2 = RV Story - the first 48 hours * 14:05 - "I want to encourage you guys that stuck does not mean you're outside of God's will. Stuck does not mean you're going to stay stuck. Stuck does not mean that you messed something up. Stuck does not mean that you're inadequate. Stuck does not mean that you're unloved. Stuck does not mean it's easy. It's stuck is a perfect setup for the John 10:10 the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to do that in your fatherhood journey your dad life. He wants to steal kill destroys often as possible" * 14:48 - "You have a Heavenly Father who is for you and is known. He is famous throughout the history of the world for getting stuck people unstuck." * Exodus 14:13 "Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today." * 15:34 - "I'm a dad who has what it takes. I am dadAWESOME. You are dadAWESOME. Do not think that being stuck means that you don't have what it takes because God is fathering you. He's your Heavenly Father and he has gifted you your kids and he's like, Treasure those gifts" * 16:08 - A speedboat mentality or a sailboat mentality * 18:16 - "When we're feeling stuck, think sailboat, not speedboat. What if the wind is just not blowing? What if this is the time to learn and to be humble and to say, what can I take away from this versus a pointing at all the things that are wrong? What can I experience now that will help me be the dad that my kids need me to be?" * 19:05 - "There are 40 people who have given to help finance some of the budget. This last year, about half of the budget was financed through 40 families. And and if some of you guys want to join that team to help fuel this movement www.dadawesome.org/give

Episode Links: * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Wayne Francis Wayne Francis leads the New York City location of The Life Church and was the founder and lead pastor of the former Authentic Church, which merged with The Life Church in early 2020. Wayne and his wife, Claudene, have been married for twenty years and have two beautiful teenage daughters, Haleigh and Ryleigh.

Show Notes: * Coming SOON

Episode Links: * https://thelifechurch.com/locations/new-york * http://leadershipinblackandwhite.com/ * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Seth Barnes Seth Barnes is founder and president of Adventures in Missions, a discipleship and missions ministry that has taken over 125,000 people on mission projects around the world since 1989. The mission of Adventures is to deeply connect people to Jesus and his movement. Their goal is to train 100,000 disciple makers focused on fulfilling the Great Commission. Adventures has ministry training centers around the world that are focused on making that goal a reality.

To move toward the fulfillment of the vision, Seth also founded the World Race in 2005. The World Race provides trained teams of young adults the opportunity to engage in 11 international mission contexts in 11 months using an experiential, missional discipleship model. Adventures emphasizes listening prayer, relationships, and servanthood in their work amongst the poor. Both through ministry/training centers and World Race ministry teams, Adventures maintains an active presence in a number of African countries. In addition to overseeing Adventures in Missions, Seth is a speaker, author, and prolific blogger. His blog, Radical Living, can be found at www.sethbarnes.com. Seth is married to Karen. They have five children and seven grandchildren.

Seth's books on Amazon

Episode 200 Party: * Tuesday, January 9th from 8-10pm we are gathering 200 dadAWESOME friends for a couple hours of fun. Spikeball, Cornhole, Music, dadAWESOME Giveaways, Food and some Vision/Mission/Hopes for what's next. * We're hosting this party in NE Minneapolis at Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee: 801 SE 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55414 * Here's the RSVP Form: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26

• Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Episode 200 Party: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26 * Join for dadAWESOME meetups around the south/southwest this winter! * 3:19 -Adventures in Missions: The World Race * 4:31 - Being a 9 year old with his dad in the Vietnam War * 8:20 - YouTube clip from 1988 - pulling kids around on palm tree leaves example - 53 min. mark on this video) * 8:40 - The continuum of softness to drivenness. Get feedback. * 9:12 - And innovation, not just at work, but also on the playground, so that palm branch, it looked like just, you know, something might have to throw away or it could be this magical ride that they could jump on and pretend it's a horse or something, you know, and that's I always tried to approach the playtime that way, you know, inventing games not just like pulling down a box and opening it and letting somebody else set the rules. * 10:44 - "So it's great to be soft when they're, you know, zero to five and they need boundaries, of course. But but you've got to start challenging them and people ask me, you know, when, when can I take my child on mission? Well I used to take them at age four and five on a mission. And man, that really tones down the entitlement, which is a huge issue these days for dads." * 13:24 - the importance of challenging entitlement in our kids * 13:59 - Somebody needs to be taking them out of entitlement, out of a self-focus, out of this place of just kind of, I don't know, they get to Yale and they're called snowflakes. I mean, we've got to stop this as a as a nation or we're just not going to have a generation to hand any kind of inheritance to" * 14:14 - How do we help our kids embrace pain? * 14:56 - Know the phase you are in: Ages 0-5 - Identity formation. Ages 6-12 - Body, Soul & Spirit formation. Ages 13-18 - Connection to the world of adults. + 1. From 0-5 Identity formation. Main job is loving them & attachment formation. Key activities: Focused attention, touch, eye contact. Play with them & teach them agency (example - me 33 yrs ago playing w/ the kids - 53 min. mark on this video) + 2. From 6-12 Body, soul & spirit formation: Main job is mentorship/discipleship. Stay deeply connected w/ them and help them move toward, not away from challenge so that curiosity guides them and kids become lifelong learners. This is where the battle for faith is won or lost. My secret weapon was to take/send them on mission. + 3. From 13-18 Connecting to the world of adults. Help them embrace the process of growing, especially by embracing the healthy pain of responsibility & discipline. In this last stage, I watch so many dads absolutely fail. They don't trust their kids and specifically, they don't trust them with what I call "healthy pain" - instead confusing it with the kind of caustic pain that they often have not adequately processed themselves. * 15:20 - Piaget and cognitive development * 18:01 - "And we've got to lean into the future if we're ever going to raise greatness in our kids." * 18:09 - John Tyson's Primal Path - The capstone was The World Race for his son. * 21:05 - "We're going to do fun and missions. And, you know, I'm just trying to bait the hook and and get everybody to see that there is a bigger picture by exposure." * 21:15 - Recognize there are four levels of covenant relationship + You and God + Good Family + Community + Affect the world * 21:53 - "You've got to recognize true religion. James, 127, says, is widows and orphans in their distress. Let's go take care of them. Let's go and recognize that we're not the center of the universe." * 22:50 - "that was the pivotal moment in my life. Maybe there's that, you know, when I ask my wife to marry me, but I asked that question and I was in a broken place. I mean, our marriage wasn't the best and we're at a marriage retreat and I needed to hear God. I mean, I was desperate. And God spoke to me in a voice that it was just incontrovertible. It was him. And he said, I love you, Seth and I. I just wept. I was just a puddle of tears. This is what I've been waiting all my life to hear, but didn't know that I could, that it was even available and it made all the difference" * 24:03 - Tips for hearing the voice of God * 24:12 - "I would get all five of them (his kids) and we get on our knees on the couch and we talked to God. And I just ask questions. And I was present and I was intentional. So I think you've got to find a way to carve out that space. And if you have that space, if you need to, if you need curriculum or just some prompts, there's a book I wrote called The Art of Listening Prayer. * 25:30 - Story of Seth leaning in and pursuing healing with his dad * 28:30 - Story of Jeff's dad and the moment of Jeff coaching his dad on how to pray a prayer of double blessing * (Jeff) 29:19 - "There's something about choosing, even though there's pain for many of us who are dads, you know, I'm thirty nine. There's pain. Pain can separate us from our earthly father or pain. We can choose to press through it. Just like you said, pain is great. Pain is good. We choose to press in and the gift and the blessing of choosing a president versus be hardened and calloused." * 30:00 - Seth's Blog post with his Blessings For His Kids (linked here) * 30:23 - ..."intentionally praying this prayer a blessing and consecration over my kids. And so, you know, that's something I think everybody let me just challenge everybody here. If you haven't blessed your kids in a way that if I were to ask your child, you know, have you been blessed by your dad? And they would say, Oh, definitely, if they can't answer that, then go ahead and do it again." * 30:59 - "when you get to heaven, what I understand is it's Jesus that's waiting. And it's your family that's waiting. So your dad is like going to be waiting and there's not going to be this level of awkwardness there to just get over yourself. Have some courage, I vulnerability and courage or flip sides of the same coin. So just press into this stuff that's hard and do it." * 31:20 - "if anybody needs to email me, I'll walk you through it. I got nothing better to do and to help you get to a place of reconciliation with those that are closest. sethbarnes (at) adventures (dot) org * 31:50 - "there's two ways of blessing. One is with your actions, another is with your words. And if your actions don't match your words, then that's going to just look like hypocrisy. * 32:54 - John O'Donohue, book To bless the space between us * 34:25 - "liminal space is space in between thought and action. And so you got to have some thoughts and you've got to meditate on the implications. So I would carve out a half a day or at least an hour or two hours just to think about and I living at my potential." * 34:42 - "there's greatness in you. There's amazing potential in you that you probably have not tapped and that God wants to tap. And he often uses our weaknesses. And that's where we're, you know, his strength shines through our weaknesses." * 35:29 - "we ourselves should not be living in fear. We are more than conquerors. The words us and many of us don't live that way." * 35:59 - "I started off the year by going to Nigeria, and it was amazing how many people are going to do that. And I don't know, you go, What is it that you need to do? That would be amazing. And maybe it's going somewhere. Maybe it's a hard conversation. Show some courage. That's my challenge to find a place where you can be courageous today and use that as a place to impart the Lord's strength to those that desperately need to hear from you." * Specific Blog Posts for dadAWESOME: Connecting them to the Lord and answering key questions through discipleship and mission (see this blog) Connecting my girls to boys in a safe way (see this blog and this one)

Episode Links: * https://www.sethbarnes.com/ * World Race * Adventures on Missions * BLOG POSTS from Seth * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Chris Bruno There is nothing more exciting to me than the intersection of transformation and adventure. This is why I founded Restoration Counseling - a place where we daily engage the power of restoration and epic re-storying. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in men and masculinity, sexual addiction, trauma and abuse. My experience as a men’s therapist and my work with men at Restoration Project provide me a wealth of experience when navigating the landscape of a man’s heart.

As I work with clients, my focus is on discovering and “reading” the narrative of their lives and guiding them toward the transformation that comes through adventurously and honestly engaging our sorrows AND our glories. This, to me, is what I was created for.

Episode 200 Party: * Tuesday, January 9th from 8-10pm we are gathering 200 dadAWESOME friends for a couple hours of fun. Spikeball, Cornhole, Music, dadAWESOME Giveaways, Food Trucks and some Vision/Mission/Hopes for what's next. * We're hosting this party in NE Minneapolis at Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee: 801 SE 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55414 * Here's the RSVP Form: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Episode 200 Party: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26 * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to become an intentional dad * 1:52 - if you missed last week, hit pause and listen to PART 1 - Episode 196 with Chris Bruno * 3:11 - (Jeff Question) - Explore with us how how we could move in the direction of shared experiences versus just intentional friendships moments * 3:37 - "You need someone who's willing to ask what we call a deep dive question." * 4:13 - "we asked the question 17 years ago today, what was happening in your life, what was going on for you and how did you get there?" * 4:26 - "Now it's asking for some information, but really what we want is not just the content of what was happening, but we want the context of what was that like for you and that's the difference between just hanging out with the pals and going to that brother level is what was that like for you? Help me understand what it felt like to walk in your shoes. " * 6:15 - (Jeff) I believe that our heavenly father can heal outside of time, back to moments in that healing ripples its way back through time and we experience way more benefits. * 6:34 - "God does not heal memories because memories are kind of locked in. He heals stories. Yes, but not a memory doesn't become a story until it is told to another person." * 7:41 - "That's where memories are. God wants to go backwards into our lives and heal all of those big T and little team moments in our lives. But we can't do that. We don't do that. Just by remembering to ourselves is where we when I invite you, Jeff, into my story and I have someone witness and be with me in the story and experience with me and empathize with me. What happened in the story? That's where healing actually happens." * 10:03 - "Grace actually means that we're given this favor, this delight, this pleasure and nothing can detract from it and nothing can add to it." * 11:55 - "there's actually a first story. There's actually a child of delight that still also lives within me. That's older than that's the first that's more original to who. He made me to be. And so as I can unpack and get back around my second, the other things. The second story that I came to believe I can slowly start to reveal come into become the man I was designed to be." * 13:10 - "if my brothers know both my second story and my first story, they get to ask me that question. How would you like to engage right now?" * 14:30 "Awaken within your child the way that they should go, then when in the future they will not depart from it. So if our task as parents, as fathers is to awaken within our children the glory that God has written there, that original story, that image of God written into their lives as he wants to let the world know who he is through them. If we can awaken that in them, then then I think they they will. Of course, they will still have traumas and tragedies and things that happen to them. Yeah, but the likelihood of them struggling in the ways that many of us have is is far less so." * 15:12 "our job as fathers is not to protect our children from pain." * 18:57 - "our stories leak, and we might think that we're doing well. We might think that we are the the top of the totem pole as far as killing it at work and killing it at home and killing it everywhere, killing it at church. But are stories, the stories of pain, the stories of struggle, those stories of trauma they will leak?" * 19:35 - Start doing this work today because the benefits the family tree changing benefits will be for generations to come." * 21:44 - Trauma passes down through generations until someone has the courage to feel it. It's going to continue to pass down through generations until someone has the courage to feel it and to face it into and to process it. Let us be those dads. Let us be those guys who stop the generational pass down of trauma. And it doesn't get passed down" * Episode 200 Party: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26

Episode Links: * https://www.restorationcounselingnoco.com/ * Man Maker Book - https://www.amazon.com/Man-Maker-Project-Born-Made/dp/1498206158 * Restoration Project: https://www.restorationproject.net/ * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME

We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Chris Bruno There is nothing more exciting to me than the intersection of transformation and adventure. This is why I founded Restoration Counseling - a place where we daily engage the power of restoration and epic re-storying. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in men and masculinity, sexual addiction, trauma and abuse. My experience as a men’s therapist and my work with men at Restoration Project provide me a wealth of experience when navigating the landscape of a man’s heart.

As I work with clients, my focus is on discovering and “reading” the narrative of their lives and guiding them toward the transformation that comes through adventurously and honestly engaging our sorrows AND our glories. This, to me, is what I was created for.

Episode 200 Party: * Tuesday, January 9th from 8-10pm we are gathering 200 dadAWESOME friends for a couple hours of fun. Spikeball, Cornhole, Music, dadAWESOME Giveaways, Food Trucks and some Vision/Mission/Hopes for what's next. * We're hosting this party in NE Minneapolis at Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee: 801 SE 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55414 * Here's the RSVP Form: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Episode 200 Party: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26 * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to become an intentional dad * 6:58 -Parallels from a Rafting Guide to a Father * 7:02 - "It's our first time down this river when we're fathering our kids and it's not our first time down the river." * 07:14 - "We can still guide our children down the river that we've never been down before because we've been down rivers before." * 7:46 - "What I've experienced in the past, my kids won't experience, but they may experience something similar. And that just gives me the freedom to kind of journey down a river and see what comes." * 9:02 - "we became the men that we are today because of the men that were with us before and the guidance of the men that we had or the lack of guidance of the men that we didn't have, that that's so impactful for who we became." * 9:16 - "the most important person in our lives as far as men goes is our dad. If he was there or if he wasn't there, that's important. And there's a shaping that happens inside of us in his presence, his intentionality, his wisdom, his guidance, just like we were talking about with the raft. All of those things are super important for how we've navigated life." * 9:47 - "There are two ways I think that fathers bring destruction into their children's lives. It's either in their absence or in their violence and in his presence, He brings life and he brings words and, you know, attention and affection and intention. But when those you know, whether it's violence or there's absence, there's going to be something significantly kind of shaping in the life in our lives. And the fact is that all of us have that to some degree, because we don't live, we don't live in the Garden of Eden. * 10:22 - "all of us have some level of wounding and pain that we've experienced, and therefore we bring that in. So in order for us to be the kinds of dads that we want to be that are dadAWESOME dads, right, that it's not that we muster something up, it's more that we need to read our story and it's more that we need to read our story of where have we come from?" * 10:45 - Kurt Thompson says, "the number one variable for children to grow up with the ability to connect in a secure way in relationships, the number one variable for that to happen is the parents investigation of their story" their own story. * 12:30 - TEDx talk from Chris Bruno about his childhood - https://www.ted.com/talks/chris_bruno_restory_how_to_live_your_truest_story * 14:02 - "There is something beautiful in my parents that just decided we're not going that route. (Special Needs Sister) We're not going that route and we're actually going to keep her at home and we're going to find ways to love on this child and bring her up in the context of our own home." * 15:24 - "My horse died and there was something about that experience where I was in the house watching the vet with with the horse outside, they were outside in the corral and I watched my horse collapse and it was in that moment that something inside of me collapsed as well. And I couldn't do anything. I couldn't get out to the horse. My parents had said, Don't go out there, and I was 13 years old." * 15:52 - "something inside of me collapsed. And I remember distinctly kind of making a vow inside of my own soul this little 13 year old boy vow of I'm not going to give my heart to another like that again because he had become my companion..." * 16:22 - "...And that collapsed inside of me is actually something that I have had to work on pretty hard to to trust God for to move into, to explore my own story so that I can then be present, not collapsed, but present to my wife and to my kids." * 17:29 - There was something inside of me that shut down and closed off, walled off, pulled away. And it was almost like I felt myself just, you know, pull into myself. And it wasn't like I was going to offer that part of myself to someone else again, because it was far better to be distant than disappointed. * 19:35 - big T traumas and little t traumas * 20:16 - "It's the little tiny traumas that also need someone to come alongside of you and help you process." * 20:25 - "we are heaps of undigested experience where heaps of undigested experience and and if we have it, just think about indigestion. When you have indigestion, there's something unwell about your body. And so if there's undigested experience, there's something unwell about your soul and we need someone to come alongside of us and to be with us and partner with us and and talk through those things with us to digest the experience so that in that moment, we can make meaning in a way that that won't be a traumatic meaning. It won't be one of those collapsed or vows or walled off moments in a life. * 21:08 - "If a parent walked back into the house... if I had a mom or a dad, come back to me and sat with me on my bed and let me cry it out and and listen to me and share it with me and empathize with me and all that. I probably wouldn't have walled off maybe a little bit, but not as not to the degree that I did. * 21:38 - "What makes a trauma is the is the actual event causing the trauma. But what makes it a kind of an overwhelming, ah, traumatic ah, tragedy over a lifetime is that there is no one to process or digest experience with you." * 22:28 - We were never meant to parent alone. And I think there's something that we can learn from our international brothers and sisters who who are in communities of of a lot more tight knit, a lot more connectedness than we are in America. * 23:39 - "We are our best father when we have our best brothers with us. And so we need those guys and those are the guys that you came in and went rafting with, you know, with me... Those are those guys in my life and we need our brothers. But then also sometimes we need someone else who's on the outside who's got some training is a professional in some ways to come along side to create a safe space for a child to unfold. * 24:25 - "I don't know about you, Jeff, but my kids trigger the heck out of me. They trigger the story in me to know degree. Like there is there, there are only a few people who trigger me. So significantly it is my wife and it's my kids." * 24:53 - "I can't actually be as available to my kids as I want to be. And so I need help. I need someone to come alongside of me. And there have been people in my kids lives that have been there for them in some really hard places. Mentors, counselors, coaches, teachers, my friends who have taken them under their wing for a season. It's so, so important for for people to make that available to their kids." * 26:04 - "our friendships that are kids can benefit from. First, have to be friendships that we benefit from." * 26:22 - "we need to move from buddy and to brother and and to go from buddy to brother requires the two of you men or the three of you, the five of human to be willing to engage those parts of your lives and your stories that we've been talking about today." * 26:39 - "those men know my story and they have offered their compassion. They've offered their empathy. They've offered their question, their curiosity. And they've also and they've also when they see me walling off. Now, they know where the story comes from and they're able to not like, hit me upside the head with a two-by-four, but more so. Gently come alongside of me and asked me the question, is this what you would like to do right now?" * Episode 200 Party: https://forms.gle/R3ApseRfsX49Kuk26

Episode Links: * https://www.restorationcounselingnoco.com/ * Man Maker Book - https://www.amazon.com/Man-Maker-Project-Born-Made/dp/1498206158 * Restoration Project: https://www.restorationproject.net/ * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Tim Olson Tim Olson is an author, teacher, Principal. Pastor, and life coach with forays into audio publishing, radio hosting, and home remodeling. His understanding of father-child relationships was fostered through years of observation and application in education, coaching clients around the world, and working with the National Fathering Ministry in Minnesota and Ukraine.

As a business life coach, it was through coaching family business owners that the significant connections between a father and his children (or with his own father) finally gelled into observable patterns that helped form the basis for his coaching and for his book, The Legacy of Absence. Through it all, he's found his way to helping others to discover who they are meant to be and to become that person.

He and his wife, Kay, have been married for 54 years and are blessed with three children, six grandchildren, four bonus grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They make their home in New Hope, MN.

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to become an intentional dad * LINK TO PART 1 of the conversation with Tim Olson * timolsonauthor.com * 2:18 - Images from the book: present father, the involved father, the passive father and the absent father

LINKS to the images: https://dadawesome.org/195/

• 2:49 - "You can be present physically and not present emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. And you know, that's actually even worse." Sharing statistics on risk of pathological behavior in children.
• 6:05 - Story from Ukraine of two fathers that work out of the home - one is absent, and one is still intentional even though not physically close - and the stark difference in the success of the kids
• 9:06 - Working with inmates,what do they wish they had from their dads?
• 10:48 - "We've realized that death is not as bad for kids as being abandoned and just just a dad who's overworking is abandonment. We all abandoned our kids. And every kid, every person has been abandoned to some extent, some so little you don't even recognize it. And we don't realize that that's what it is. We just remember the not being chosen part."
• 11:34 - Describing the reconciliation process
• 14:21 - "[Dad's role is] to prepare us to face the world on our own. And so he does that primarily by teaching us four things and developing them in us. And those four things are: self-esteem, confidence, maturity and identity. And identity is perhaps the most important because that describes who we are and whose we are.... These are perhaps the most important words that a father can say, I believe: 'You are mine. You belong to me. I love you.' That's identity."
• 17:17 - "How we deal with the hurt and wounds of our own father's failures, determines our ability to be good fathers and mothers, you know, to our own children.
• 17:38 - Quoting Richard Rohr - "If we do not transform our pain, we will most assuredly transmit it."
• 17:56 - In Louis Meade's book, he says to forgive is to set the prisoner free and then discover that the prisoner was me."
• 26:27 - 4 Things he shared with his kids:
  1. 26:32 - "I know that things happened in our relationship that hurt you. I said things and did things that hurt you. Even now, I didn't even know it. And I want you to know that I would never do anything like that on purpose intentionally, but I know it happened. And so I want to ask you to please forgive me for those things."
  2. 27:35 - "I am no longer your parent and you are no longer my child. Well, that sounds pretty offensive at first. I said instead, from now on, I am just your father and you are just my son."
  3. 29:27 - "It would please me more than anything to continue to be able to speak into your life."
  4. 30:15 - "No matter what you do, with your decisions and with your life, good or bad, it will never change how much I love you. That will never change."
• 33:01 - Quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."

Episode Links: * https://timolsonauthor.com/ * https://www.dadsfirst.org/ * Tim's book - The Legacy Of Absence * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Tim Olson Tim Olson is an author, teacher, Principal. Pastor, and life coach with forays into audio publishing, radio hosting, and home remodeling. His understanding of father-child relationships was fostered through years of observation and application in education, coaching clients around the world, and working with the National Fathering Ministry in Minnesota and Ukraine.

As a business life coach, it was through coaching family business owners that the significant connections between a father and his children (or with his own father) finally gelled into observable patterns that helped form the basis for his coaching and for his book, The Legacy of Absence. Through it all, he's found his way to helping others to discover who they are meant to be and to become that person.

He and his wife, Kay, have been married for 54 years and are blessed with three children, six grandchildren, four bonus grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They make their home in New Hope, MN.

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to become an intentional dad * 2:55 - Praying for his grandsons-in-law * 4:55 - National Fathering Ministry - https://www.dadsfirst.org/ * 6:03 - "Dr. Richard Green, a former superintendent of Minneapolis schools. And he said to us, if the kids come to us for kindergarten and do not have an involved father or an involved grandfather, they are already lost to us" - This conversation was the purpose for working with black urban fathers of preschool children. * 6:46 - Working with fathers in Ukraine - starting a fatherhood ministry that has impacted the nation * 8:06 - Ukrainian college women drawing where dad sits in the family circle * 9:22 - "The father for a time was even taken out of the Russian dictionary. And and if you go back in history and I covered some of this in my book about how that worked with communism and and Marxism, ... they did their best to eliminate the father from the family and the the government was supposed to be the ones who essentially raised the children by way of the mothers...the government was in charge." * 12:26 - Malachi 4:5-6 * 12:46 - Gordon Dalby is a great spokesperson about fathering, and he [share that].... the brokenness in this world between children and fathers reflects the brokenness between humanity and God." * 14:16 - "We have to try to find the right path or we become complicit in crimes against it." * 19:28 - "One of the things that I heard them say often was, 'you know, my grandfather was like this, my dad was like this, I'm like this, and my kids will be like this, and there's nothing I can do about it. It's just the cards we were dealt.' And I would say to him, You know what? That is a lie right out of the pit of hell, yes, you can change. You may not be able to change how tall you are and the color of your skin or anything like that, but you can change your personality, you can change your character quality, you can change the things you want and don't want to pass on to your kids. You can do that." * 20:56 - Story of reconciliation with his own son and not wanting to pass on generational sins * 31:30 - "Christ's example shows us as leaders in our areas of strength as dads to come underneath our children and our wives to lift and encourage and to praise and to pray for and to make them who God intended them to be. But you know, the moms, their wives have their areas of strength just as strong and in their job then is in their areas of strength is to come under us as fathers and to pray for us and lift us and encourage us and support us to be the best dads we can be. And so there's this mutual coming under, this mutual submissiveness, and it's the strongest, not the weakest, that submits."

Episode Links: * https://www.dadsfirst.org/ * Tim's book - The Legacy Of Absence * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Trent Walker Trent and Siobhán are a husband and wife singer-songwriter duo raising their 5 sons on the road full time in a nearly vintage Foretravel motorhome. Their original songs speak of adventure, bravery, reaching out to others and trusting in a God who never fails. Their family motto has become to "live simply, so that others may simply live." Come watch as they cross the nation in search of the joys of life and sharing them with others. If you are interested in having us come and share our song and journey with your church or even a group of friends at your home, please give us a shout. We would love to come and be a blessing wherever we can.

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * + Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad + Donate to F4F + 5:39 - Dallas Willard - A Life Without Lack + 6:18 - Why call the channel EVERYDAY Family Adventures? + 7:02 - "Life is pretty awesome. So let's start with that basis and know that I don't want my life to be boring. And that's a choice. And so that's an everyday choice. And so we're going to choose quite effectively to make every day an adventure in some way." + 7:47 - "I'm going to choose to have hope and look at tomorrow with opportunity. And I think that we as dads have to go before our kids in that in that optimism, especially today when the world is in a hopeless place." + 9:03 - Song: Speak: https://youtu.be/PeT8LQOffDs + 14:18 - "I mean, that was kind of the faith and the words that needed to come out of our mouth and begin coming out of our mouth during that time when we were really struggling and we were praying every morning, getting on our knees was just this like, I am not going to leave this place until I get the favor of the Lord because I am done with being passive. I'm done with being like, woe is me. I'm going to I'm going to choose to believe in in this God that I've spoken about all my life, but really never took action steps in it." + 14:42 - Missions as a family: "Live simply so that others may simply live." AND "To inspire people to find their own adventure in life, something that will bring them joy while bringing others joy as well." + 23:34 - "I believe, the more you worship God, the more you get the heart of Christ and the heart of Christ to be around people and love people. And so I believe the more you look at Jesus, the more you fix your eyes on Jesus and the more you're singing about him and glorifying him and maybe getting your eyes off of yourself. Jesus keeps doing this wild thing. You look at him more and he keeps showing you where his heart is and his heart is the love the world." + 27:14 - Wanting the heart to grow bigger.

Episode Links: * www.trentandsiobhan.com * YouTube Channel: * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript coming soon :)

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jackie Bledsoe Jackie Bledsoe is a professional blogger, author, and speaker, but first and foremost a husband and father, who encourages men to better lead and love their families through his blog, JackieBledsoe.com. He’s a contributor to All Pro Dad, Babble.com, Good Men Project, and Huffington Post. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, USA Football, MichaelHyatt.com, and more. Jackie, who has been happily married to his wife, Stephana, since June of 2001, lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with their daughter and two sons.

Wild at Heart BASIC in Northern Wisconsin * When? October 28th through the 31st, 2021 (event ends at 10am Sunday) * Where? HoneyRock Camp 8660 Honey Rock Rd, Three Lakes, WI 54562 * What is BASIC? * Wild at Heart BASIC is Wild at Heart Boot Camp led by John Eldredge and his team through video sessions in your local area.

• RSVP by signing up here: https://sites.google.com/view/wild-at-heart-basic/home

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Donate to F4F * Happily Married Couples * How I Built This and Stayed happily married podcast * BOOK: The Seven Rings of Marriage * dadAWESOME Nudge - Text 651-370-8618 * Wild at Heart Basic Event - Check out link to Register * The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey * 4:33 - The biggest rocks related to parenting and marriage * 8:02 - heart attack on Thanksgiving 2018 * 10:35 - Blog post - “what you must teach your daughter before she turns 16” * 10:56 - “Preparing your daughter for marriage” blog post * 11:32 - Advice: Model what you want to see in your daughter’s future husband - model that in how you treat your wife * 14:58 - teaching his daughter to manage finances * 19:56 - Marriage advice * 21:59 - So know that if you're in a hard season right now, just keep the course, stay the course, stay. ...do not grow weary in well doing. But at the proper time You receive a harvest if you do not give up. So that's the word that I give to you dads as well. It can be tough right now, but keep doing things that you know are going to lead to the end that you want in your marriage and your fatherhood and your business, whatever it is, and trust that that harvest will come at some point. * Wild at Heart Basic Event - 4 days, 3 nights. Honey Rock camp in WI

Episode Links: * https://jackiebledsoe.com/ * https://happilymarriedcouples.com/ * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Ken Castor After thirty years of next-generation ministry, Dr. Ken is balding in his hairline but still bold in his faith. He is the Family and NextGen Pastor at Wooddale Church. He served as the Professor of Youth Ministry at Crown College for over a decade and in nextgen ministry for two decades before that. Ken is the “Blue Letters Editor” of the Award-winning Jesus-Centered Bible, and has authored numerous discipleship resources like Grow Down and Make a Difference. He’s also a nerdy Cubs fan, the founder of NEXT Ministry Conferences, has several Chuck-Taylors, and enjoys living in Minnesota with his brilliantly witty and slightly freezing family.

Wild at Heart BASIC in Northern Wisconsin * When? October 28th through the 31st, 2021 (event ends at 10am Sunday) * Where? HoneyRock Camp 8660 Honey Rock Rd, Three Lakes, WI 54562 * What is BASIC? * Wild at Heart BASIC is Wild at Heart Boot Camp led by John Eldredge and his team through video sessions in your local area.

• RSVP by signing up here: https://sites.google.com/view/wild-at-heart-basic/home

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * Donate to F4F * Local gold SPONSOR: Accelerate Business Solutions - https://www.xceleratenow.com/ * Ken Castor - Family pastor at Wooddale Church - https://wooddale.org/ * 3:47 - Unpacking the meaning of resilience in the family. Developing spiritual grit. * 8:52 - Wishing he had spent more time preparing the meals together as a family instead of just one parent preparing the meal and rushing to the table. * 12:39 - “Every facet of life as a dad, it's hard to give up what I'm good at and let my kid do it not as good.” * 19:35 - “There are some intentional rhythms I've built into my life so that my kids would know that, hey, my dad's all about Jesus. Like that's been my goal. But I can be as intentional as I want but if in the unintentional moments my kids see a jerk or they see somebody who's living a different lifestyle or who's talking bad about their wife or whatever, it those moments are the ones that actually matter.” * 22:27 - Discussing the story of the prodigal son with an emphasis on the father. * 28:02 - “The measurement of a good father is not based upon the behavior and outcome of the children. The measurement of the good father is, does he reflect God, the father, and the character and the heart that all of his children would be in relationship with him at home." * 32:13 - The story of adoption * 34:47 - On the season of waiting for fatherhood (waiting for pregnancy, adoption, etc) “That season of preparation is... The principles that you're working on in your heart and your soul and faith in that season of preparation are the same resources that you will turn to as a dad so that that season of waiting. You can't be impatient and do fatherhood well.” * Wild at Heart Basic Event - 4 days, 3 nights. Honey Rock camp in WI

Episode Links: * https://kencastor.com/ * Books & Resources from Ken Castor * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript https://dadawesome.org/191notes

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Dr. Greg Bourgond As President and Founder of Heart of a Warrior Ministries, Dr. Greg Bourgond, has taught in graduate / post-graduate schools and ministry organizations, and has spoken and preached in many churches and ministry contexts around the world. He is also the author of many award winning books. He has been happily married for 48 years and enjoys time with his grandchildren every chance he gets.

His previous experience includes ten years in the defense industry and commercial business, and over twenty years in various ministry positions. He also completed twenty-nine years of active and reserve duty in enlisted and officer ranks in the U.S. Navy. He has received degrees from Chapman University, Bethel Seminary and Nova Southeastern University. He has also completed post graduate work at Harvard University. He has also twice been C.S. Lewis Visiting Scholar-in-Residence at the Kilns in Headington England.

Wild at Heart BASIC in Northern Wisconsin * When? October 28th through the 31st, 2021 (event ends at 10am Sunday) * Where? HoneyRock Camp 8660 Honey Rock Rd, Three Lakes, WI 54562 * What is BASIC? * Wild at Heart BASIC is Wild at Heart Boot Camp led by John Eldredge and his team through video sessions in your local area.

• RSVP by signing up here: https://sites.google.com/view/wild-at-heart-basic/home

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * Donate to F4F * 3:13 - Heart of a Warrior Ministries * Dr. Bourgond's Books * 8:05 - "God wires men cause to die for, a challenge to embrace, and loved ones to protect." * 10:32 - "Robert Lewis, who coined the definition of authentic manhood, is to reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously and wait on God's reward." * 10:55 - David Morrow published the book Why Men Hate to Go to Church. * 14:11 - Above all else, guard your heart for from it becomes the wellspring of your life. - Proverbs 4:23 * 14:55 - "Whatever is stored in your heart will manifest itself in overt behavior that either bring glory and honor to God or dishonor and shame." * 16:10 - "What I found out that men have an ability, especially in Western culture, to proclaim a belief system that bears little correlation with how they behave. There's an inconsistency and incongruity and incoherence, but how they behave over time will give you an insight into what they truly believe at the core of their being." * 16:42 - "The decisions that we make are always processed through the values we hold, even if we can't articulate them." * 22:44 - "It will always be the case in Western culture, nobody really cares what you had to say, until they observe how you live. And if you try to live a life of integrity and honor under God's authority, people ultimately want to hear what you have to say, even if they disagree with you. Why? Because they can't get past a life well lived." * 23:01 - "Living intentionally in the same direction over an extended period of time will have a greater impact on your children than anything you could possibly say." * 24:21 - "And what I learned over the course of time is that sometimes God called you to be a sage on the stage. In other times, he wants you to be a guide by the side. And I understood that parenting needed to be situational. That you needed to change your leadership style with the confidence and the competence being demonstrated by that child in whatever task you give them." * 26:46 - "If your child is a skeptic, simply answer the questions they're asking. If they're cynics, simply question the answers they're giving me." * 35:01 - "S = R / E. S stands for either satisfaction or success or significance. R stands for reality and E stands for expectations." * 38:04 - "Neil T Anderson who said it's not what you do that determines who you are. It's who you are and Jesus Christ that should determine what you do." * 39:15 - "How to determine the purpose God has for your life." * 39:01 - "Infinite God has chosen you as his finite creature to implement his redemptive plans for the world." * 40:22 - "Every man is given a unique purpose for their life. So it's finding out what that is by tuning your heart to the heart of God. Listening to the still small voice of God in your life, leaning forward to hear it and allowing God's word to transform you and to wash off the world." * 41:18 - "The point is, guys, give your life to something that matters. Make a difference. Too many guys are like ships tied to a pier, spend all of their life polishing the brass, making sure the steering mechanism works, taking the oil off the engine, swabbing the deck, but never getting the ship away from the pier. Ships are not made to be tied to the pier. God doesn't care if your engine is oily. He doesn't care if you are a sloppy steering system. He doesn't even care if the decks are dirty. Get the ship underway and God will take you to destinations you've never been. He'll take you to horizons you've never seen. He'll have you traverse valleys you've never imagined. And God will give you a completely different view of his world. * Wild at Heart Basic Event - 4 days, 3 nights. Honey Rock camp in WI

Episode Links: * https://www.heartofawarrior.org/ * Dr. Bourgond's Books * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript https://dadawesome.org/190notes

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Pablo Ceron Pablo has been a speaker, teacher and leader of men’s ministry initiatives for over 10 years. He's also the Founder and President of WILDSONS, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the hearts of God's people.

Pablo was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the U.S. in 2,000, where he married his loving wife Juanita. After a long journey through the desert, and into their "promised land", they now live in Colorado with their two wild sons, Mateo (10) and Lucas (4). Pablo has also worked as a Product and Technology leader for over 20 years.

UPCOMING FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 Mile Bike Rides — DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Link to PART 1 of this interview with Pablo Ceron: https://dadawesome.org/188/ * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Sponsors: + Aleph Holdings, + Alpha & Omega Wealth Strategies, + Substance Church, + River Valley Church, + Chick-Fil-A Blaine * 2:34 - Pablo talks through steps to healing and restoration: (1) Invite Jesus into the place in our hearts where we feel wronged, where life is unfair.... (2) Renounce the lie that life is up to me, that I will need to fight every battle because no one else will do it for me (3) Ask What is the truth? * 5:09 - "We have come to believe certain things about God and ourselves and life and then to then to bring those before God himself and to have an encounter with him where the truth is revealed to us and we get to be initiated into living life in the way that results out of that being truth." * 17:41 George MacDonald says that the hardest and the gladdest thing is to cry Abba, Daddy to God from a full heart. * 15:01 - Describing the meaning of "Sons" in the ministry Wild Sons. * 21:50 - "When the student is ready, the teacher appears, when the Son is ready, the Father appears." * 24:31 - "Father, I receive you fresh as a father, and I choose to become your son, would you father me?" * 24:53 - "And if I can go on this journey and become my father's son again. Then it must be true that my two boys are his his sons, too, and he is more interested in fathering my two boys than I am, and he knows them and has known them before the foundation of the world. So he knows their hearts. He knows what they need. He's orchestrating a journey of initiation so that they can become the men he created them to be. I play a crucial role, and my role is to ask my dad, father, father, 'would you allow me to see my son in the way that you see him? Would you allow me to see what is it at this age in this season that you're doing in his heart, in his life? And what is my role in partnering with you for that?'" * 26:45 - Pablo's story of how he begins a journey of initiation from age 10-21 and God told him, "Delight in what he delights in." * 28:55 - The raising of my boys is not up to me because life is not up to me. * 29:43 - "The invitation is to ask God for a revelation of what he's doing in our children's life. And for us to participate in it, knowing that the outcome is up to it's up to God, we have no control over it."

Episode Links: * Wild Sons * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Pablo Ceron Pablo has been a speaker, teacher and leader of men’s ministry initiatives for over 10 years. He's also the Founder and President of WILDSONS, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the hearts of God's people.

Pablo was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the U.S. in 2,000, where he married his loving wife Juanita. After a long journey through the desert, and into their "promised land", they now live in Colorado with their two wild sons, Mateo (10) and Lucas (4). Pablo has also worked as a Product and Technology leader for over 20 years.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Sponsors: Aleph Holdings, Alpha & Omega Wealth Strategies, Substance Church, River Valley Church, Chick-Fil-A Blaine * Prayer Team Sign Up for Aug 28th Ride * Volunteer Sign Up * Previous episode with Pablo - Episode 98 * 5:02 - Wild Sons * 5:51 - "That has now been almost two decades of this journey with God. And the fruit of that is that we want more people to experience what we have come to experience the goodness of God, the treasures of the kingdom, the blessing of living a life of peace and a life of adventure and freedom and joy. " * 9:15 - "There is an expression of Christianity or at least the message that as men we receive is that we need to set aside all our desires and our passions and become a nice guy. Yeah, and that's not at all what I read in scripture. What I read scripture is quite the opposite. Is God inviting men into a wild adventure. " * 10:21 - "Adventure by definition implies we we are risking, we're going into into the unknown, into the frontier, into an area where we don't have the answers, where success is not guaranteed, where things could go wrong. And if God doesn't show up, we're doomed. And that's how we come alive, let's do it." * 10:49 - (Talking about Wild Sons) "And part of the recovery of their heart is to recognize their need for adventure and and and and how adventure makes a man come come alive. We believe that men shouldn't be tamed, but should be given permission to be themselves and live with passion and live with freedom ." * 12:16 - Wild Sons Muster * 16:50 - "So for those who are willing to let it all go and go after Jesus, all in. Yeah, they're going to experience life to the fullest. Jesus promises." * 27:09 - "Everything that we do is an expression of what we have come to believe at the level of the heart about God, about who we are, about who my wife is, about who my boys are, my children, about the nature of the world." * 29:52 - "Ask Jesus, who have you created my child to be? Look for the true identity of the child and speak to their identity, and they will come alive." * 31:42 - "When I am in my good days, when I am connected to the Father, the way that I'm learning to parent my sons is by understanding who they truly are and to speak to that." * 32:31 - "Even when we are in the darkest places and in the worst of our sin, he's not coming with accusations of shame and guilt. He's coming with love to say, I know you're better than this. You may have chosen wrong, but this is not who you are. Come and act according to who I made you to be."

Episode Links: * Wild Sons * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jon Tyson Jon Tyson is a New York City based Pastor and Author. Originally from Adelaide Australia, Jon moved to the United States over two decades ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of multiple books including his latest book, The Intentional Father.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Make a DONATION to FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Sponsors: Aleph Holdings, Alpha & Omega Wealth Strategies, Substance Church, River Valley Church * The Intentional Father book * 4:29 - How the relationship with his kids has changed to building adult friendships with his kids. * 5:21 - Weekly family meetings * 7:33 - "Raising a son is real work, but we have to get this right, because if we don't teach our sons, the world will. If we don't teach our sons about women pornography will if we don't teach our sons about friendship, they'll live a life of loneliness. If we don't teach our sons about leadership, they'll be followers all their lives. Being a father is not about efficiency. It's about discipleship. Father is not about time management. It's about heart development." * 9:37 - "A lot of good involved dads, but an intentional dad that goes that step further to consciously ask who is my kid? What at what time of history did they live in? What am I responsible to sort of give them that's going to tee them up for their future." * 10:58 - Minimal manhood and skillful manhood * 17:00 - Leaning into the "firsts" and making them intentional moments * 17:22 - Quote from Jim Rowan - "Life is not measured by the length of our days, but by the intensity and frequency of beautiful moments ." * 17:54 - The Power of Moments book
19:35 - Books/articles he had his son read when he got his first job: Your Money Counts; Total Money Makeover. ESSAY: Why Work by Dorothy Sayers * 23:41- Ken Blanchard's One Minute Manager * 24:05 - Exponential by Dave Ferguson * 24:07 - “It's just the process of how to give away what you have and make sure it shows up in somebody else's life. It takes more time to do that. It takes a lot of time, but when you see the joy of somebody who owns something that's literally gone from your life into their life, they now have a deposit and this deposit can be given to somebody else's life. That, to me, is one of the greatest things you can experience as a dad.” * 25:16 - “I think this is the key here, because so often our culture is built on charisma and charisma is like that person possesses the magical gifts that none of us have. And therefore, it produces celebrity culture and consumerism. But when you codify the gift and you can show somebody, here's what I'm doing that is working, you then impart it to them and it creates contributors in confidence rather than consumption.” * 25:59 - Shop Class as Soul-craft * 28:15 - "Men need a cause. A cause is bigger than a vision, more expansive than a strategy, and more long lasting than a season. It's larger than a fight." - From The Intentional Father * 30:09 - On the power of a cause in men: “I basically want to infuse that a man has strength and that he should utilize it in a great fight. But the difference is it needs to be in the real world as opposed to just accomplishment. And it needs to be for the sake of others. It's never your strength. It's never to oppress others for self gratification. It is always to lift the oppressed for the sake of the other.” * 30:52 - “And a part of it is to try and help young men realize, don't give you a vigor and your strength to wasted things because you have no idea how you could participate in God's great cause if you channel them for the sake of others.” * 32:14 - Wisdom on relationships: “The circle of intimacy, the circle of impact in the circle of influence” * 33:13 - Most important priorities in 2nd through 5th grade: (1)”maintaining the emotional bond and setting the family culture” (2) “understand the psychological development of what's happening in that age” * 40:50 - “I just have a path of intentionality that sets up the odds in your favor. And again, you can't control your son's heart, but you can fight for it. And this is a plan to fight for your son's future. And I believe that when we do that, we activate the heart of God's divine favor comes through our way, the Holy Spirit, gets involved and we're not on our own. And without it, I think you're left to chance and you’re left to the world.”

Episode Links: * The Intentional Father book * The Primal Path Course * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Jon Tyson

• Instagram
• Twitter
• The Intentional Father book
• The Burden is Light book
• Beautiful Resistance book
• Church of the City New York

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Bob Merritt Bob Merritt led Eagle Brook Church for 28 years. He retired in March of 2020 and lives in White Bear, MN with his wife Laurie. He joins us for this 2-Part podcast conversation on fatherhood themes ranging from leadership blindspots to fatherhood insights learned from his dog Blue.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * PART 1 of this conversation with Bob Merritt - Linked Here * 2:33 - Dave Merritt speaking about his dad * 5:58 - Asking his son, "Where do I screw up?" * 7:24 - Jeff asks, "What have you learned about your Heavenly Father from your dog?" * 9:37 - Parenting wisdom he sees in his kids * 11:38 - Jesus in my weakness. Show yourself strong. It's not about me. I need you. It's a posture of kneeling, actually, as a physical posture of saying this is not about me delivering awesome. This is about me being average in desperate need. * 13:03 - I was just driven by this this absolute fear and sense of responsibility that I had to say things to a congregation that were true and helpful and relevant to their lives. And if I failed at that man, what a what a failure. And I just I couldn't allow myself to do that. * 16:07 - Sharing a significant parenting moment with his son. * 22:01 - Quote from John Maxwell, "There's enormous magic in a tiny word, do. When we tell ourselves I'll do it, we unleash tremendous power. What is the number one catalyst for change? It's action. And if you take action, it will change your life." * 23:13 - "I'll tell parents, you might not know what to do. You might say some things wrong, but do not bail. Don't walk away, don't.... ignore the issue. Pay attention to the right time and the right away, but stay in the battle. Don't just pretend there's not an issue. Don't pretend that it's going to fix itself . You might have to give it time to simmer down or whatever, but don't abdicate the responsibility of being a parent to the culture. You're the parent. God put you in that role for a reason and you might not know the exact thing to say or do.... but got to be there. You got to be present."

Episode Links: * Bob's book "Done With That" * Bob on Facebook * Eagle Brook Church * Final Message from Bob (March 2020) * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Bob Merritt Bob Merritt led Eagle Brook Church for 28 years. He retired in March of 2020 and lives in White Bear, MN with his wife Laurie. He joins us for this 2-Part podcast conversation on fatherhood themes ranging from leadership blindspots to fatherhood insights learned from his dog Blue.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the dadAWESOME Nudge to becoming an intentional dad * 3:44 - Bob's daughter, Meg, shares reflections on her dad. * 7:54 - The impact of dads bringing their families to church * 11:35 - Deuteronomy 6 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts [parents]. Impress these things on your kids. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, when you get up ..." * 12:37 - "So the question I would have for dads: Do you know God's word well enough? Are God's commands on your heart? Because you can't teach your kids what you don't have." * 14:28 - "Pain, I think can lead to passion or pain can lead to passivity." - Jeff Zaugg * 16:01 - "You know, life is full of pain. We all have it. But what I would say is that God doesn't cause that pain. Right. But God can help you heal from that pain and put you on a better path if you'll be willing to allow him to do that." * 17:23 - "Pain is a signal that something's wrong when it comes to life." * 21:12 - "So if I've got an anger issue, but I'm not seeing it. Will I have enough humility so. Will I have enough strength, Jeff, to ask somebody, 'Hey, will you help me see some things in my life?' See it's a person of strength who's willing to admit I've got an anger problem or I've got a spending problem. People of weakness, will never admit they have an issue." * 25:19 - "You got to be humble enough and self-aware enough to know that we all have flaws and weaknesses, that if we could just get somebody to help us look at that, you know, it could just open the world to us." * 28:02 - Deuteronomy 30 - "I've set before you life and death, blessings and curses now choose life so that you and your children may live."

Episode Links: * Bob's book "Done With That" * Bob on Facebook * Eagle Brook Church * Final Message from Bob (March 2020) * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Troy Mangum Troy Mangum is an author, speaker, podcaster (The Kindling Fire), and men's advocate. He is a Lumbee Indian tribal member. Troy lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Kathy. He has two sons, two daughters, and one son-in-law.
A former YWAM missionary, hardcore punk singer, substance abuse counselor, busker, longboarder, exotic fruit farmer, vert skater, singer-songwriter, software engineering manager, traveling hitchhiker, and seminary dropout.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * 2:14 - Troy Magnum is author of Fatherhood Face Plants * 3:50 - How to be a difference maker/fire starter. * 4:29 - "There are so many men that are dads that are fatherless and and they need to know that they can become amazing, incredibly amazing fathers with God training them as father." * 8:25 - "So we all have a back story that God, if we're willing to let God take us there, he'll take your treasures out of you. That will be so deep and rich because it's a generations before you. It's not about you. It's about you inheriting something God put back way back in generations before you." * 11:35 - "A lot of what the book is about is about, you know, that whole idea of getting back up and becoming the dad your kids need so much of the storyline with God is to get back up, to receive forgiveness, to seek reconciliation, to receive wholeness, to do whatever it takes to become a man that God wants you to be for your children and for your own self and marriage and et cetera. And so that is such a crucial crossing point because men so many times out of guilt and shame, they retreat and and the kids are just like, OK, I guess I guess this whole dad thing's over for you now, huh?" * 13:04 - 1 Corinthians 1:27 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." - But God.... * 13:29 - Telling the story of a two year separation and then reconciliation with his wife. * 15:04 - "You pass on as a dad, you pass on who you are more than what you know. You can know the right things to do. You can know the scriptures that say you should do this, you can know a lot of things, but you will pass on who you are..." * 19:03 - A wall or wind - Are you going to be a wall your kids need to scale to get to what God has called them to be, or are you going to be wind in their sails? * 21:50 - "You pass on who you are more than what you know you want to be the whole, the most whole, healed, healthy in every sense of the word, man that you can pass on." * 22:29 - Stepping into the frontier and letting God teach the skills you need. ..."are you willing and aware that this is offered to you, this training module? You look in any scripture, any man in the Bible, you can say they went to training... And a lot of that training has to do with difficulty sometimes and challenges and putting yourself in the frontiers of 'I've never been here. I've never done this. I don't have the skill.' None of that intimidates God. And if you yield yourself to God, he will put you in situations that are above your head, above your pay grade, above your talent, above your skill intentionally to help you learn skills, talents, abilities, confidence, [so he can expand your influence.]"

Episode Links: * https://thekindlingfire.com/ * Troy on Instagram * Troy's Podcast: Apple Pod * Troy's Book - Fatherhood Faceplants * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jeff Zaugg Jeff and Michelle Zaugg recently celebrated 15 years of marriage. They live in New Brighton, MN with their 4 young daughters and their Goldendoodle Boomer. After 10-years of entrepreneurial non-profit ministry leadership, Jeff served as a pastor at Substance Church in the Twin Cities for the past 7 years. In Fall 2020 Jeff took the leap and went full-time fatherhood ministry. He is the founder and lead cheerleader at dadAWESOME & FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS. When he’s not wrestling or playing hide and seek with his daughters, you might find Jeff out for a bike ride, making a pour over coffee, sitting by a fire with his wife or challenging some friends to a game of Spikeball.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * Story of boat drifting + Dark + Alone + Drifting + Sinking + Embarrassed + Terrified + Taking on water * DRIFTING to DREAMING * Definition of DRIFTING: to be carried along by currents of water or air, or by the force of circumstances... To wander aimlessly * Drifting + Lack of vision + Lack of purpose + Just trying to get through the day + Numbing + Stalled out + Controlled by fear * John 10:10 shows us the two options - DRIFTING vs. DREAMING * The Thief comes to KILL, STEAL & DESTROY (Drifting) * But I have come to bring ABUNDANCE… LIFE to the FULL” (Dreaming) * Satan wants to kill, steal and destroy the work of God in your family, your work, your ministry, your friendships,your finances, your marriage, your parenting, and your health… * The Thief (satan) wants you to be a DRIFTER. DRIFTING is a WIN for satan * Remember our Bible Story? + Saul was DRIFTING – he was the king and he was sitting under the pomegranate tree… (Meanwhile, Saul was taking it easy under the pomegranate tree) >> There were about six hundred men with him + Jonathan was DREAMING – he was a CHANGE MAKER… As the son of the king, he had the option of relaxing like his dad. He could have played it safe… * There is a Gravitational Pull towards Drifting. Our brains are wired to Avoid Pain... Limbic Cortex = Lizard Brain - ​​It’s in charge of fight, flight, feeding, fear, freezing up... The lizard brain is the source of the resistance * Pain is One of the Primary reasons we DRIFT. Hurts, pains and past struggles lead us to avoid risk... PAIN >> Passivity… Pain can lead to PAUSE or a Plateau in our journey of trusting God. * PAIN >> Passion & Purpose * DREAMER - Kids don’t worry about constraints or limitations... They think with a filter of abundance and possibility * Acts 2:17 “…God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Joel 2:28) * Two Steps for each of us: We are going to Remember & Run * Remember You Are a Child of God - it starts with your identity… You are a LOVED child of God. * To live as a DREAMER, you must receive this gift and step into your identity as a Son of God… A Daughter of God * Run! Throw off the Weight and Run! * Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” * Pain leads to Passivity. Pain leads us to hit PAUSE on our DREAMS. * The pain of our past has stolen our FREEDOM and we are looking through the little rearview mirror and over our shoulder at what should be behind us. * The windshield of your life needs to be so much BIGGER than the rearview mirror * Experience the healing that your Heavenly Father wants for you.

Episode Links: * YouTube Video of the entire Message - Drifting to Dreaming * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Marcus Montana Marcus Montana, known as TRU-SERVA to his music audience, is a passionate man whose mission is to help others find true life.

Growing up in a single parent home in Lacombe, LA outside of New Orleans, he was forced to raise himself while his Mom worked two jobs to provide for the family. Trapped in a materialistic society he chased after self-satisfaction, experiencing a void of true love. He was left broken after a long pursuit to fill that void, until one day....

At age 16, while TRU was at the end of his rope, drained from the emptiness of unfulfilling pleasure, he came face to face with Christ. He chose to take a spiritual step and committed to a personal relationship with Jesus.

TRU felt a calling to use his talent of hip-hop to help change lives. From a young age, hip-hop influenced his style, language and attitude and it felt natural to use this genre of music and way of life to help reach people. Through his rap lyrics, he portrays a powerful message of the cross and of a positive change. He sees himself as an over comer and example of hope to many, where he stepped above the trap of being an African American male dead or in jail by age 25.

A strong vision for connection is what this musician strives to accomplish each and everyday. TRU aims to make a connection between the streets and the church, saying "The walls of the church need to fall down and people need to get out of their seats and go out." He also wants to see the connection between generations, where he can speak to both kids and adults.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * 4:03 - Marcus talks about growing up without a present dad. Learning how to be a dad from his mom. * 10:27 - The difficulty of seeing God as a Father without having a father. * 11:00 - “When we had Malakai, that changed my whole perspective because when Malakai was born, he just laid there, didn't do nothing, and I loved him. You know, he wasn't trying to get my attention saying, hey, look at me, he just laid there. And it gave me a perspective that I don't have to do anything for the Lord to love me, you know? And so that changed my whole life…” * 13:17 - “The goal isn't perfection, it's his presence.” * 14:00 - “It's a thin line between using wisdom and stepping out on faith. You know, when you got other people who are responsible for you. But I've also learned that when I follow the leading of the Lord, he takes care of it.” * 23:30 - “You know, Martin Luther King said rioting, rioting comes as the voice of the unheard. And, you know, if your kids are trying to share with you and you're not listening, you're too busy. They're rioting.”

Episode Links: * Spotify - Tru Serva * Reverb Nation - Tru Serva * Website - Transformation Records * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript https://dadawesome.org/182notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Matthew Hooper Matthew’s personal and professional pursuit of holistic growth are at the center of his life and work with others. He holds degrees in Communication from Biola University (1994) and Christian Ministry and Leadership from Talbot School of Theology (2001). Spiritual Development and Pastoral Counseling were the specialized emphases of his graduate work. Matthew also received a certificate in spiritual direction from the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in Los Angeles. Currently, he is studying to complete a doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership at Azusa Pacific University.

Over the past 17 years, Matthew has cultivated his vocation toward influencing the holistic development of emerging adults, leaders and professionals. In 2016, Matthew launched a professional consulting business (TRACK 3 Leadership Development) integrating insight from leadership, psychological, and theological perspectives for the purpose of holistic growth in individuals and groups. Recently, Matthew has excelled as a primary group facilitator for Growth Skills Foundation.

He finds unique inspiration for his work in creation, music, spiritual friendship and the daily pursuit of humility as the highest virtue for human growth and spiritual flourishing. Matthew, his wife, Sheela, and their three children, Annie, Breeana and Jarren, live, work and play in Sutter Creek, CA.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * Sign up for the F4F 100 mile Ride by * 1:07 - Check out episode 180 for the first half of the conversation with Matthew Hooper * 2:26 - Travel tips for living in a trailer * 4:12 - Everything is better as a team. Be a team in the routines of setting up and taking down. * 5:00 - Recommendation: Stay at least two nights at each site. * 5:28 - Expect that things will break down. * 7:35 - "I would say having very consistent patterns with safety in mind, with consistency and structure in mind for your family, because there's going to be plenty of unstructured reality." * 8:56 - Dad Wisdom #1: Own your role as dad. "No one can be a dad like you. No one. You're the dad in your family. So own it." * 9:17 - Dad Wisdom #2 - Decide what you want to do as a dad. How do you want things to be? * 10:34 - Dad Wisdom #3 - Listen to your kids * 12:35 - A Grace Disguised by Sittser * 13:36 - Listening to clues in the physical body to recognize grief * 14:31 - How he handled tragic loss * 17:18 - You need to pace your work with sadness, you need to move towards it with intentionality. Invite other people into that and then give yourself permission to take a break. * 17:56 - Article: Navigating sadness on the journey of life "Facing the sadness, embracing the sadness, pacing sadness." * 18:35 - "Please turn toward your heart, please. The more you're able to do that with you, the more you can do that with your wife and especially your kids. Your heart is the most important part of who you are, and that includes your deep feelings of thought willing and emotion coalescing in the heart. And so to be to be a man of heart, I think, is what I would what I would call dads to above all else."

Episode Links: * TRACK 3 Leadership Development * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Matthew Hooper Matthew’s personal and professional pursuit of holistic growth are at the center of his life and work with others. He holds degrees in Communication from Biola University (1994) and Christian Ministry and Leadership from Talbot School of Theology (2001). Spiritual Development and Pastoral Counseling were the specialized emphases of his graduate work. Matthew also received a certificate in spiritual direction from the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in Los Angeles. Currently, he is studying to complete a doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership at Azusa Pacific University.

Over the past 17 years, Matthew has cultivated his vocation toward influencing the holistic development of emerging adults, leaders and professionals. In 2016, Matthew launched a professional consulting business (TRACK 3 Leadership Development) integrating insight from leadership, psychological, and theological perspectives for the purpose of holistic growth in individuals and groups. Recently, Matthew has excelled as a primary group facilitator for Growth Skills Foundation.

He finds unique inspiration for his work in creation, music, spiritual friendship and the daily pursuit of humility as the highest virtue for human growth and spiritual flourishing. Matthew, his wife, Sheela, and their three children, Annie, Breeana and Jarren, live, work and play in Sutter Creek, CA.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * Sign up for the F4F 100 mile Ride by * 5:51 - Traveling with 6 people to 48 states in 4 months * 7:54 - Four principles to order our thoughts and decisions * 8:58 - Principle #1: Missional - Bringing Christ's kind of love and and the peace and joy and life of the kingdom, wherever we went * 11:07 - Principle #2 - Being Adventurous - meaning to kind of push ourselves to do things we weren't normally doing * 11:31 - Principle #3 - Positivity - "if we're going to be missional and adventurous, we need to stay positive because we know that at some point this experience is going to be stretching." * 12:11 - Principle #4 - Stretching - "Life is stretching and what we need to do is own that that is true and not live in an illusion that life is not that. So life is stretching. If we stayed here, there would be elements that would be stretching about that. If we go, that's going to be stretching and maybe even be more stretching. But the reality is life is stretching." * 13:17 - "the daily pursuit of humility as the highest virtue for human growth and spiritual flourishing." * 13:52 - Flourishing as a dad * 13:58 - "When you tilt your mind and heart toward flourishing with your intense thinking and your intentions, you are aligning with the power of God's image in us and for Christ followers and the power of the Spirit in us and between us in terms of his his community as people." * 16:41 - What is stopping dads from flourishing? Pride (lack of humility) and lack of vulnerability * 17:08 - [Humility is] Seeing ourselves accurately in relation to ourselves, God and others." * 20:46 - Book recommendations for flourishing, humility, ownership: John Townsend - Hiding from Love & Henry Cloud - Changes that Heal * 22:17 - Tips and tricks to traveling as a family in a trailer

Episode Links: * TRACK 3 Leadership Development * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME \We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Mark Batterson Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church (NCC) in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into the Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and coworking space. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books, including The Circle Maker, Chase the Lion, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Whisper. He and his wife, Lora, have three children and live on Capitol Hill.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * Sign up for the F4F 100 mile Ride by June 27th. * 3:35 - The Circle Maker book by Mark Batterson - inspired by his father in law Bob Schmidgall * 4:02 - Things Mark learned from his father-in-law - Fun surprise ideas for the family and setting boundaries with ministry. * 8:21 - How Parkinson's law influences fatherhood * 9:00 -So I am really challenging dads to establish boundaries. But I do want to recognize that life doesn't come in nice, neat boxes where every day or every week looks like every other day or every other week. I don't. It's really hard to challenge work and home or vocation and family. I would argue that you're never 100 percent balanced. You're always counterbalancing. * 10:13 - Establishing boundaries in dad life * 10:34 - Why set life goals? * 10:40 - you won't accomplish one hundred percent of the goals that you don't set. And so faith is being sure of what we hope for, Hebrews 11. And I just think that goal setting can be an expression of faith. * 11:54 - One thing I learned is you can't just set the goal, like you got to reverse engineer it and figure out what are the daily habits that are going to get you to those goals. And that's where the magic happens. That's where the hard work habits. And that really is the key to going after those goals. * 15:42 - Seven kind of character traits of being the man, playing the man (Episode 146) + Virtue #1 Tough Love + Virtue #2 Childlike Wonder + Virtue #3 Will Power + Virtue #4 Raw Passion + Virtue #5 True Grit + Virtue #6 Clear Vision + Virtue #7 Moral Courage * 17:04 -prayer does turn parents into prophets and you can shape the destiny of your kids with your prayer life. And they're going to be moments in your life where that's all you've got. * 16:22 - "The deepest desire of my heart to be famous in my own home and it's hard to be famous in your own home and you're never home." * 18:13 - Draw the circle book - 40 days of prayer * 19:21 - Prayer for healing for our friend, Brian.

Episode Links: * Mark Batterson * Win The Day * dadAWESOME Day * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript https://dadawesome.org/179notes/

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Today is dadAWESOME Day... It's a decision day and a declaration day that this coming year is going to include movement toward becoming more dadAWESOME for my kids. It's the first day of the dad year and we're offering four options for adding specific intentionality to your dad life. This video (https://bit.ly/DAdayVID) outlines the 4 dadAWESOME Day Challenges and we are praying that you step into this year saying YES to becoming dadAWESOME.

JOIN the dadAWESOME Day Challenge by texting one of these four keywords to (651) 370-8618

1) I am LOVED - text the word "loved" to (651) 370-8618

2) I am INTENTIONAL - text the word "intentional" to (651) 370-8618

3) I am FREE - text the word "free" to (651) 370-8618

4) I ENJOY my kids - text the word "enjoy" to (651) 370-8618

MORE INFO: https://dadawesome.org/day

--- learn about making a DONATION to dadAWESOME: https://dadawesome.org/give

--- Download the 2-page Mission/Vision/Invitation Overview for dadAWESOME: https://bit.ly/2021dadAWESOME

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Mark Batterson Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church (NCC) in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into the Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and coworking space. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books, including The Circle Maker, Chase the Lion, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Whisper. He and his wife, Lora, have three children and live on Capitol Hill.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list and for all dadAWESOME day updates! * 1:52 - Monday, June 21st. Just write down DadAWESOME day - our launch pad to a year of becoming dadAWESOME. * 2:42 -Minneapolis Fathers for the Fatherless - signup deadline is June 27th. Sign up at F4F.bike * 3:49 - Mark Batterson's new book: Win the Day * 5:15 - Going from "This is crazy!" to "This is awesome!" * 7:10 - "Your actions are perfectly designed to achieve the results that you're getting." * 7:38 - Discussing the idea of the grand gesture: choosing to change upstream, because we know we want to see a desired change downstream * 9:51 - "A grand gesture...It's just doing something that signifies, I'm making a move towards solving this problem or accomplishing this goal." * 13:03 - JMD, Just manageable difficulty - if something's too easy you actually lose interest. * 16:06 - Every move we make, every risk we take sets the stage for someone else. Your brave is someone else's breakthrough. * 20:14 - Habit number 2, Kiss the Wave - the obstacle is not the enemy. The obstacle is the wave. * 21:18 - "I do think that it is some of the suffering that makes us appreciate the gift that life is and helps us identify with a God who suffered, who went to a cross, a God who loves us enough to go through Gethsemane. And so sometimes I need to be willing to walk through some of that suffering." * 22:49 - DadAWESOME day is a declaration day. It's a decision day to make the next three hundred and sixty five days a decision towards becoming dadAWESOME. * 23:47 - "If you do little things like they're big things got as a way of doing big things, like they're little things" * 24:29 - "time is measured in minutes. Life is measured in moments. It's Wind the Clock habit number 6. * 25:34 - "God wants to turn the hearts of the fathers towards their children. And I think when that happens, then revival happens."

Episode Links: * Mark Batterson * Win The Day * FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Becky Thompson Becky Thompson is a bestselling author and the creator of the Midnight Mom Devotional community, gathering over one million moms in nightly prayer. Speaking hope into the struggle of balancing life as a wife mother, and daughter of God, Becky has become the voice of modern Christian motherhood. You can learn more about Becky’s top Christian podcast, Revived Motherhood, or find more of her work by visiting BeckyThompson.com. Becky lives near Nashville with her husband, Jared, and their three children.

Dr. Mark R. Pitts Dr. Mark R. Pitts is a graduate of the University of Tulsa Law School. He is an ordained pastor and a well-known Bible teacher in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, area where he lives with his wife, Susan. They have been married for 41 years and have two adult daughters and three grandchildren. In 2019, Mark created the Midnight Dad Devotional online community with his daughter, Becky Thompson, the creator of the Midnight Mom Devotional. Mark enjoys teaching Scripture and praying for dads.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list. * Monday, June 21st. Just write down DadAWESOME day * 02:25 - Midnight Dad Devotional One Hundred Devotions and Prayers to Connect Dads Just Like You to the Father. * 3:47 - What if our kids inspire us to be dream chasers? * 3:55 - "I love that because to me, being a dream chaser is being a God chaser. You know, I don't think that we can ever separate the two." * 5:30 - Learning the Father's love from her dad. * 7:14 - We don't just have a heavenly father that parents us. We have a heavenly father who fathers us. * 9:21 - "That's and that's also whole all scriptural that we are supposed to improve, if you will, improve our children, if they are supposed to be, we want them to be better than us. We don't just want them to have a better life, be more fortunate, be more prosperous. We want them to be better than us. We want them to take what we have to give them what God has breathed into them, into into us, and therefore we breathe into them and that they are going to take that and go much farther than we could have ever gone." * 10:42 - "Our prayer is that men will see themselves as God sees them. We've already talked about that as they are as the warriors they are, fighting in the trenches for their families against all odds, overcoming every trial that comes their way." Quote from Midnight Dad's devotional * 13:03 - "You, father, dad, are going where you're going. This is supposed to help you know, that you have a heavenly father who's going to get you there, who's going to help you accomplish that, where no other human can help you as well as your heavenly father can help you." * 15:16 - "So here's the thing about Noah is that he invited his sons to build with him, that it was a family build, that Noah got the download and it required the help of his whole family to create what would be for the whole family. And so I think as dads are listening and they're like, well, this is what God has called me to. It's not just for them. It's with them that there isn't anything that God calls a parent to, that he doesn't also call the children to participate in." * 16:45 - "It's the difference between that and fathering, which says I'm going to intentionally stay relational with you. I'm going to care not about what you did today, but how it made you feel. And then I'm going to invite you into my story of what God is doing in me. And the only way for a child to see the impact of what God is doing in the father is if he intentionally makes the decision to include his children in what he's going through and how he feels about it. And and I think that's what it means to build with it." * 22:14 - "it was the promise of presence, which is I am certain that I will see and experience this goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, not just know about it, not just here about it, not someday." * 22:52 - You can never have more. It's the one thing you could never fully possess because there's always more to gain that the act of having more means that you have to always be reaching and going and trying. - Quoting her dad * You can never achieve more, you can never actually hold more. I want to tell him that this is going to be a lifetime journey. * 26:57 - "I have made spectacular failures as a as a parent. I have never made a failure as a father because my heart is pure, my heart is true. And what I want for my children is what my heavenly father wants for me."

Episode Links: * Midnight Dads Book - on Amazon * Midnight Dads Webpage: https://beckythompson.com/midnight-dad-devotional/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Terry Esau Terry has over 10 years in the non-profit sector, having exercised his leadership as the founder of FB4K in 2010. In addition, Terry has been instrumental in catalyzing the move from a Minnesota-only platform to the 12 US cities that FB4K currently calls home. Terry has been recognized for his societal contributions both nationally (USA Today Make A Difference award) and internationally (Guinness World Records). In his spare time, Terry is a published author and speaker on various topics, including the ‘Wellbeing of under-resourced kids in America.’ In addition to his bicycle advocacy, Terry is an avid cyclist, musician and artist.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 1:50 - Text “DAD” to 651-370-8618 to join the text list. * 2:16 - Monday, June 21st. Just write down DadAWESOME day * 2:53 - Free Bikes for Kids * 4:44 - How to teach kids to ride a bike with a balance bike * 5:58 - I kind of feel like we should live our lives with this adventure and hope and excitement. You know, it's like instead of instead of living cautiously, it's just it's just not a great way to live. * '7:18 - Sharing his dad’s story of being on his own at age 16 and then serving on MN Legislature for 16 years. “He didn't let the problem of not having that education hold him back. You know, he kind of took things into his own hand and he said, I can educate myself by reading books, you know, so. So he did that. And he was you know, he was a flawed man, and a flawed father, just like I am. But you know what he he modeled? He modeled boldness and courage, and I think that's what has helped me." * 12:20 - “I look at the Holy Spirit not as a dove, but as a sharp elbow. And, you know, and our job is to keep tender ribs so that we feel the nudge of that sharp elbow.” * 19:35 - Terry's book: Surprise Me: A 30-Day Faith Experiment & Be the Surprise: Experiments in Spontaneous * 25:11 - Free Bikes for Kids website - (picture of the smiling girl) * 26:17 - Setting the Guinness World Record for most bikes collected in a day (5,512 bikes on year, then 10,000 the next year)

Episode Links: * Free Bikes For Kids * Terry's book: Surprise Me: A 30-Day Faith Experiment & Be the Surprise: Experiments in Spontaneous * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Matt Norman Matt Norman is President & CEO of Norman & Associates. Through Norman & Associates, he helps people think and work together more effectively. Matt's mentorship has helped Fortune 100 corporations, non-profits, and entrepreneurs change the way they engage with their employees and clients.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS —MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 2:23 - New Text Message platform! Text the word "DAD" to 651-370-8618 * 3:09 - Save the date for June 21, 2021 - dadAWESOME day * 5:48 - Creating a pathway for unlimited screen time and how that has contributed to more productive activities for the 13 yr old sons * 8:42 - How marriage counseling and being a part of a mens group helped pull out of the darkness of the season of infertility. "I'm part of a men's group that, you know, has been a very important part of my life. And it's been sitting around with those men in a non fixing, non rescuing, non minimizing environment." * 11:18 - Book: The Four Patterns of Healthy People * 13:08 - "I just I can't emphasize enough for myself and other people that I've journeyed with the value of finding authentic people that are willing to tell the truth and have grace and love in that." * 13:50 - Three questions: (1) Where are we often stuck? Where do I shrink back? (2) What's not working for me in some of my relationships? (3) Where am I getting triggered? Where are my hot buttons? * 17:41 - Pete Scazzero - The Emotionally Healthy Leader podcast * 18:20 - "And even in our families where we hurt each other....Sometimes we slight each other or wound each other in in intentional ways because we're hurting ourselves and we want to, you know, make ourselves feel better by hurting someone else. But sometimes ...we're wounded. And so we're going to put on this armor and I think that armor... blocks us off from having...more intimacy with the Holy Spirit, more intimacy with our other important relationships, more effectiveness in whatever work may be, because as we work with others, we need to let others in and allow ourselves to be seen if we're going to have 'vulnerability-based trust' in the workplace." (from Patrick Lencioni's Five Dysfunctions of a Team) * 20:22 - Favorite leadership book, A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman - "The most important characteristic of leadership is to be a non anxious presence." * 23:36 - Noticing that positivity can be tied to defensiveness * 25:17 - What he hopes his kids say at the end of his life? * 28:15 - How do we measure our day? Scoreboard and checklist or relationships and community? * 31:35 - "We do all these things to rationalize, justify and excuse ourselves. And yet freedom and joy and connection lies on the other side of growth."

Episode Links: * http://MattNorman.com * Four Patterns of Healthy People: How to Grow Past Your Rooted Behaviors, Discover a Deeper Connection with Others, and Reach Your Full Potential in Life and Business * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/175notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Tim Burt & Danny Gutierrez Thankful for this father-in-law / son-in-law conversation about intentional fatherhood. More about Danny. More about Tim.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 16th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 1:24 - Episode 16 - Danny Gutierrez. Episode 23 - Tim Burt. Episode 69 - Renee Burt & Stephanie Gutierrez. * 2:25 - "Affirmation is a powerful biblical encouragement for us to participate and to encourage one another and to lift up one another." * 3:53 - Tim - "I just always exhorted her, always encouraged her. I always encouraged that she could do those things that were on her heart. And and I think Stephanie would probably say that the affirmation she's received over the years is it's been a real strength in her development." * 5:24 - Tim's daughter Stephanie, "My dad not only loved me, but he liked me." * 8:02 - "We get to step into being what maybe we didn't receive and that we didn't have modeled for us." * 12:28 - Tim talks about the benefit of listening and drawing out connection from his kids and how he wishes he would have done that more. * 15:45 - Advocating for a special needs child * 19:24 - The multiplication effect when you're learning for others. * 20:22 - Tim - "Pay attention to how God uses you and just go with that." * 21:19 - Tim - "People are all good at different things, and it's just not something you're good at. It's something that God can take to another level." * 24:51 - Tim - "If you will just make a commitment to do something, you're going to find out what you shouldn't be doing and what you're absolutely not good or gifted at. And you're going to discover the things that you are gifted and you're good at. And the discovery is part of the whole thing. But it doesn't happen without taking some kind of a commitment, and as a pastor, I'm going to say God wants you to commit to serve in the local church because it's not for the church, it's for you. It's all about him developing you." * 26:50 - Danny - "Be intentional with your interest, because I think right now we live in a world where everything's asking for it and we give it away so easily... And I think if when we put interest in our kids and what they're interested in and what their hopes and dreams are and what some of their, what they like to do and what's going through their little minds or what season of life they're in, when we give intentional interest to that, I think it becomes molding us into the kind of dads they need us to be in those particular seasons. * 28:17 - Tim - "And if you will just be very conscientious about asking God for help all day long, every day, you'll constantly be taking off some of the burdens of fear or inadequacy or anything else that you're facing in your life. And all I would say is just try to remember some of the things you asked because he answers a whole lot more things than you're paying attention to. And if you'd pay attention to him, you'd know how much he works in your life, which is the proof of how much he loves you. And he would be so much more real to you." *

Episode Links: * Danny * Tim * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Pete Stanley Pete & his wife Kaycee are the founders of The Reel Hope Project. He believes family is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. Kids need family, and Pete considers it an honor to play even a small role in helping to make that happen. Plus, he’s married to Kaycee (Reel Hope's executive director), so ignoring The Reel Hope Project would be like trying to avoid candy if you lived with Willy Wonka. Pete speaks on behalf of The Reel Hope Project each week at events and faith communities, sharing about Minnesota’s waiting kids

CREATING VIDEOS OF MINNESOTA KIDS WHO ARE WAITING TO BE ADOPTED... In Minnesota, there are 1,000 kids awaiting adoption into a forever family. They work with counties and adoption agencies to mobilize the faith community to bring foster kids into forever families.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 1:02 - May 14th - Early Registration deadline for F4F Minneapolis ($25 discount). Sign up at F4F.bike * 1:33 - Reel Hope Project * 4:24 - "It seems like the moments that I really get excited about in terms of being a dad come after I've had to give a hard word to my son." * 6:00 - "Family is one of the most powerful forces on the planet." * 06:15 - "And so I would I would distill that further and say that you learned it around the dinner table and you can't have a dinner table without family, without community. And I think that's how you learn how to have disagreements, how you learn how to have arguments, how to learn how to take turns, to talk about your day and interact with other people. And and so I think that that is like that is sort of the the the the foundation for for all of these things that we're trying to build, like all these beautiful things that we're trying to build in the world, take root in healthy whole families. * 7:29 - The importance of having a team of people around you when entering the adoptive world. * 9:18 - How to handle the friction that comes into marriage when adding kids, or adoptive kids to the family. * 11:23 - Speaking highly of his wife * 13:17 - Why men/dads still need to grow up * 13:57 - "The father wounds that you're going to inflict on your children are already healed. Like God is, God has worked that out. And so that sort of gives me, that gave me, that gives us permission to dive in, head first to the relationship that we have with our kids." * 19:13 - Recommendation: setting up therapy for your kids, benefits of therapy as a dad. * 22:54 - What is the Real Hope Project? Making super high quality videos of kids in MN who are waiting to be adopted. A thousand kids have no family and need to be adopted. * 25:29 - Praying about adoption while starting an adoption ministry. * 28:00 - Misconceptions about adoption. (1) It can be expensive. (it actually can be virtually free.) * 28:33 - "The kids don't get put into foster care because they're bad. They're in foster care because someone important in their life didn't do something that they needed to do for them." * 31:00 - thereelhopeproject.org * 31:52 - Finally Home - Fort Collins, Colorado * 33:30 - Book recommendation: The Connected Child by Karen Pervis

Episode Links: * thereelhopeproject.org * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/173notes/ ‎

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Adam Griffin Adam Griffin is the Lead Pastor of Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas. Adam is the cohost of the Culture Matters Podcast and the coauthor of the book Family Discipleship. In 2018, Adam completed his Doctor of Educational Ministry Degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he designed a strategy for churches to address racial reconciliation in Dallas. Adam lives in Lake Highlands with his wife Chelsea and their three sons Oscar, Gus, and Theodore.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 2:21 - Join the momAWESOME Challenge - Send a text with the word "MOM" to 651-370-8618 * 3:03 - May 14th - Early Registration deadline for F4F Minneapolis. Sign up at F4F.bike * Article: "Raising Kids the World Will Hate." * Adam Griffin: "I'm seeing some of the fruit of the labor we've put into our kids to the point now where for us family discipleship, which is really what we're talking about, has become so normal that if I remove myself from a situation, my kids can lead themselves through it." * 6:58 - Family discipleship at bedtime * 7:29 - "I feel especially passionate and saying I don't want my oldest son to be the only one who's got leadership experience in this family." * 7:53 -I'm trying to, like you said, build in not only them to be receivers, but then to be leaders and already I'm thinking about them as fathers. I'm thinking about them as husbands. I'm not just thinking about them as my kids with some obligation I have to mention Jesus as we put them to bed. But I'm trying to grow men." * 9:22 - Choosing scriptures for his kids. "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man and be strong and let everything you do be done in love.".... "Be strong, show yourself a man, keep the charge of the Lord, your God, walk in his ways and statutes." ...."He's told you, O man, what's good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love, kindness and walk humbly with your God." * 11:50 - "I believe is that there's a countercultural nature to the way Christians are called to parent, to lead, to live, and that's that we are not of the world, even though we're in the world, it's that we will be hated because Jesus is hated." * 12:20 - I want them to stand by what they believe, regardless of what the world would say about it or how small the minority of people is who believe that." * 13:05 - "Do Griffins follow the crowd? And my sons will say that to me only if the crowd is following Jesus." * 14:12 - Book: Family Discipleship and the idea of being "dads who take the lead." * 16:22 - "If when you think about leading your wife or you think about leading your kids, you're thinking about how can I lay down the gifts God has given me of strength or wisdom or insight or of time in order to meet the needs of those people that the Lord has me living with right now? And so leadership, to me, it has to be servant-hearted and it has to be service-oriented because that's the way we see Jesus lead and that's what he's called us to do." * 17:22 - Family discipleship - Critically important, but mostly ordinary. * 18:38 - "So what they need from you, dads, is a demonstration of what it looks like to be an imperfect person who follows a perfect God. They don't need you to be their savior. They have that in Jesus Christ. But what they what you can serve is an example of like, well, here's how dad makes mistakes and repents. Here's how dad tries and fails. Here's how dad tries and succeeds." * 20:45 - Modeling, Time, Moments, Milestones - the framework for discipleship * 22:32 - "And it's in those significant times where it's going to be memorable that we have the opportunity to point to God's faithfulness, no matter what the circumstances, and to create something bigger." * 23:55 -I really believe in the concept of family discipleship that we help you walk through. What is modeling look like in your house? When are you going to do family discipleship time? What language can you use in your household around moments? And then what's your plan for milestones? What do you want to build towards or when you want to be doing? * 27:51 - Quote from Charles Spurgeon, "we sow, we reap... Let us expect our children to know the Lord. Let us from the beginning, mingle the name of Jesus with their ABCs." - making family discipleship as important as education. * 30:43 - Quote from Charles Spurgeon - "Aspire, dear brethren, to shine widely as a candle set upon a candle stick gives light to all that are in the house. First see to it that you are truly saved yourselves. Then cry out, cry to the Lord for your own kith and kin and labor for them until they are brought to the redeemers feet and then let your light shine throughout the neighborhoods where you dwell. It is. It is a poor lamp which cannot be seen outside its own glass." * 34:59 - Deut 6 - Be diligent in impressing these things to our children. Deut 4 - Be diligent in the care of our souls.

Episode Links: * Adam Griffin - https://www.eastsidedallas.org/adam * Book - Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home through Time, Moments, and Milestones * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Nick Hall Nick Hall is the visionary of Together, author of the book Reset, and the Founder and Chief Communicator for Pulse. As an evangelistic voice to this generation, Nick Hall has shared the Gospel at hundreds of events to more than five million people and is regularly featured as a speaker for pastors gatherings, student conferences, training events, and festivals around the world.

Nick is also the President and CEO of The Table Coalition and sits on the board of the National Association of Evangelicals. He has been featured on major media outlets including the Huffington Post, USA Today, Fox News, US News & World Report, Washington Post, Christianity Today, Moody Radio, Christian Broadcasting Network, Trinity Broadcast Network, and The Christian Post.

Nick is married to his best friend, Tiffany, and they are proud parents of Truett, Ruby, and Jude. They live in Minneapolis, MN. Nick has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from NDSU and a Master’s in Leadership and Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 2:21 - Join the momAWESOME Challenge - Daily texts for 9 days leading up to Mother's day - Text "mom" to 651-370-8618. * 3:13 - Pulse https://pulse.org/ - Exists to make Jesus known * 6:47 - On looking for young evangelists to mentor. "I've lost a lot of mentors and heroes. And then in that, at some point you kind of open your eyes. You're like, wait, I'm not just the one that's supposed to receive anymore. Like, man who who is coming after me." * 10:25 - "You know, like I have told people all around the world about how God loves you and that it's this free gift. But I have consistently tried to earn it" * 10:39 - "I think it's true for a lot of us as dads, or just people trying to make it, is like...the starting blocks in track. And I think a lot of people's starting blocks are guilt and shame. And you're pushing off to prove others wrong or you're pushing off to show people that you are enough. But I think it's like learning to rest in the fact that I'm enough, because my Father says I am. I'm enough because of what Jesus did for me, I am the beloved son of God." * 12:39 - Description of prayer from the book The Life of the Beloved - "Prayer is being quiet enough to hear the good things that God says about you." * 16:55 - What does it look like to live on mission? Why is it important for dads to live with deep conviction? * 18:23 - "The mission that I'm on is are we living our life to point people to Jesus or does our life look like everybody else's?" * 19:55 - "But I do just think that there's this exciting opportunity that we have to change our neighborhoods to change the sports teams our kids are on, you know, to claim the ground beneath our feet and to welcome our family into that mission as well." * 20:22 - Pulse Resources https://pulse.org/ * 22:48 - Learning from his dad * 27:25 - "And I just think, like, there's always somebody who's doing what you want to be doing or somebody who you would like to look more like. Right? And so for me, I just think, one of the secrets of life is... getting around people who are a step ahead... Who are further down the road... who can help you see your blind spots." * 32:00 - "I think the biggest thing that we all need individually is just like am I personally being connected to the word of God, the spirit of God, the people of God. Because if I don't have an inflow, if I don't have an inflow from truth from God, if I don't have an inflow of truth from my community, and if I don't have an inflow of somebody kind of helping me see through this, personally, I feel really lost. Right? And so those are just be three things that that I think are super crucial lifelines." * 32:36 - "I think the the greatest challenge of being a parent is realizing and letting God parent you. And, you know, the best way to love your kids is to realize that you're the beloved son of God."

Episode Links: * https://pulse.org/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/171notes/ ‎

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Dr. Joe Sevlie Dr. Joseph H. Sevlie, D.C., FASA, is a 1983 graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic and founder and director of the Center for Natural HealthCare, PLLC, in Red Wing, MN. He is a full-time practicing licensed chiropractic physician, a certified acupuncturist, and functional medicine practitioner and nutritionist. His primary goal is to see his patients dramatically improve their health, energy, vitality, and joy for living, using chiropractic services paired with functional, revitalizing natural medicine. Dr. Sevlie is married to his wife, Tami, and has seven children and fifteen grandchildren.

Tyler Sevlie Tyler and his wife Vanessa live in Minneapolis with their 5 (soon to be 6) kids. Tyler works on a Financial Planning team by day and is a superhero dad by night. He's also famous in the coffee review, craftsmanship and tips field. Tyler was instrumental in the launch and growth of the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike ride and he joined dadAWESOME back in November of 2018 on Episode 44 (Spiritual Slavery to Sonship).

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 5:41 - Facilitating a heart connect with our kids * 8:18 - Sharing Biblical values in the context of making up a story * 16:50 - "Don't live in your own understanding it, if you live in your own understanding, you're going to miss it. If you live it in God's understanding, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in his presence, he will make everything clear and he'll provide and he'll do his gig" * 17:50 - Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship by Jack Frost * 18:40 - "It was we tell the people about Jesus because that doing that so telling others about Jesus is statistically one of the greatest predictors of your own kids loving Jesus." * 27:13 - Primal Path curriculum. * 30:00 - Letters from Dad ministry * 33:20 - John Eldridge Wild at Heart * 33:20 - John Eldridge Fathered By God * 33:20 - Stasi Eldridge - Captivating * 33:39 - "what's so crucial for a daughter is his dad needs to tell them how beautiful they are. If they understand they're beautiful in dad's eyes, they have their self-image and who they are. They can then received love from their heavenly father. They can really receive love from their dad. They need to hear that from dad daily." * 35:56 - "staying connected heart wise and and making sure they know when you screw up, you know that and and you make it right between you and them, I don't think he can ever go wrong. So cheering him on, letting your daughter know she's beautiful. If you screw up saying, look, I'm really sorry, it's good, I'm going to do better, I want to do better, and with Jesus help, I'll do better. And and always bringing Jesus back into the equation with your kids because they know that he is the source from whom dad gets everything from." * 36:53 - "Jesus Christ is the kindest person I've ever met. Yeah. That's so true. I've seen that in your life. just like you enjoy how kind he is. And you regularly like a reconnect, like you go back to him and spend time with him and you get refreshed with that kindness."

Episode Links: * Dr Joe Sevlie's Website * Tyler's Coffee Instagram Account * Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship by Jack Frost * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/170notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Michael Jr. Known as a comedic thought leader, Michael Jr. brings laughter and encouragement to audiences all over the world. Using comedy and dynamic storytelling, he inspires audiences to discover and activate their purpose. This unique skill set has landed him on stages like The Tonight Show on NBC, Tedx Talks, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. His mission to make laughter commonplace in uncommon places means that he also seeks opportunities to share his gifts with those in homeless shelters and prisons. You can find him in Sony Pictures' feature film War Room, as well as starring roles in Selfie Dad, Laughing On Purpose and More Than Funny.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

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Show Notes: * 4:45 - "I have five kids and I have...five extra kids. And what I mean by that is there's a there's being a dad and there's also being a dad like one, because around us there's always some kids who don't have a father figure in their life at all." * 5:55 - "The greatest name I've ever been called is DAD...I just I think there's a lot of guys who are missing out on some great opportunities in life... the cool part is, is even where our dads lack, God completely picks up plus some..." * 7:39 - Funny How Life Works book * 9:36 - "There's going to be times where things seem rough. You don't know what to do as a dad. You're struggling. But just the fact that you're there, just the fact that you're present is awesome. But in those times when things are getting hard, the key thing to do is to be still and listen to the Father's voice because he is talking to you. And what he wants you to know is that he's right here. He loves you. All you have to do is open your eyes." * 11:17 - "Correct but don't reject." * 12:43 - "Telling his kids after discipline: "I just do not like disciplining you. But it is a requirement. It's what I'm called to do. Otherwise you won't be prepared for when life tries to discipline you." * 16:14- Addressing the "hecklers" in our lives - often our own negative self-talk. "You have to address the heckler and use scripture to chase the heckler away." * 17:05 - On stepping out of being amatuer as a dad. The oldest dad in the world gave you this assignment, which means you must be ready for it....He is the greatest dad ever. And he looked at you and said, you know what? You're ready. * 17:43 - The impact of his dad apologizing to him. "I remember him apologizing to me and I and I don't know if he was human before that. Like that's when he was most human when he apologized... " * 18:11 - Tips for having important, hard conversations with your kids. * 20:12 - Quote from Funny How Life Works: "Looking back, I now realize that many of the things I resented or found annoying about my earthly father are the very things that allowed me to open the gifts my Heavenly Father had deposited in me. * 23:46 - "So you're going to make some sort of mistakes. But fellas, I want you to know for sure you are absolutely dadAWESOME, because I got an awesome dad and I know I'm going to be an awesome dad because I'm a give it my all. Even if we're going the wrong way, I'm going the wrong way all the way, because I'm doing it because I love my kids and they're going to know that." * 24:55 -The way comedy works is there's a set up and there's a punchline. Right? The setup is when a comedian makes you think in one direction. What a punch line is when you change that direction in a way you're not expecting. The results are revelation, fulfillment and joy expressed through laughter. In life, it's the same way. * 33:49 - So by all means, look for those opportunities to speak into somebody's life. That base that you got. You got that base for a reason. Some kids need to hear that coming from five feet above them, or a foot above them. Or eye to eye contact or maybe even looking up to them. Just speak into their life.

Episode Links: * https://michaeljr.com/michaeljr * Funny How Life Works Book * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Conversation Transcript https://dadawesome.org/169notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Dr. Peter Larson Peter J. Larson, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, published author, and leader in assessment development. He is the former President of Life Innovations and the co-developer of several internationally used assessment tools, including PREPARE/ENRICH, MCODE, and TruMotivate. He is also an experienced couples therapist and the former Director of Research and Clinical Services for the Smalley Relationship Center.

Peter has been married to Heather Larson for 25 years and has three children ages 17, 18 and 20. Peter and Heather regularly teach, write, and coach premarital couples together.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 4:42 - Tips for dads taking their 11 to 13 yr old son or daughter on an intentional trip: * 5:57 - "A big topic of the conversation is how do you show up, and not be conformed to just what everyone else is thinking and doing?" * 6:11 - How do you prepare your younger child to WANT to go on a trip when they are 13? * 10:48 - "You can't just start strong or launch them. Well, you gotta finish strong too. And because that does impact you. And that's like probably one of the few pain points, when I think about my dad - like, man, he was such a rockstar. I wish he would have finished a little stronger in terms of his, just his modeling of lifestyle." * 14:33 - Peter's take on cheering on his athletic son - "There's being proud of your kid, and then there's being like letting your own identity creep into it.....So, you know, keeping your priorities in check, and making sure that's not the only focus of life. You know, life's a whole lot more, especially than something like that." * 16:12 - Prepare Enrich [https://www.prepare-enrich.com/] - marriage and premarital assessments for couples. * 17:00 - Gloo [https://www.gloo.us/] - assessments and developing tools to serve churches * 19:34 - On encouraging strengths in our kids: "...Starting to pay attention to what is it that they naturally do and that they love, and realizing there's some motivation there that is going to serve them throughout their life. And how do we unleash that - fan those flames. And what's fun is it's going to be different than you, you know, they're their own unique person." * 19:52 - True Motivate tool [https://trumotivate.com/] * 23:02 - "You can't make them do anything they don't want to do. And now on the flip side.... actually you do have influence though. And influence is wonderful because it's like a continuum. And so your question, your challenge as a dad, as a parent, is to think about how can I maximize my influence while knowing I don't have control." * 24:22 - How do you influence your kids? 5 ways... * 25:21 - (1) Light up when your kid walks in the room. * 27:30 - "[My kids are] copying the things I do, even when they don't make sense, you know, when they're irrational." * 29:57 - Why to make date nights a priority and what that models for our kids. * 31:21 - (2) Setting up routines as a family * 32:18 - (3) Making church a priority * 33:55 - (4) The importance of outsourcing influence to other positive influences and letting go of control. * 36:47 - (5) Don't get on the roller coaster of emotion with our kids * 39:54 - "Great parents are often very willing to share a little bit of gold. And so don't hesitate to look for those moments where you can glean a little of that and mine some gold, because those things have informed our last 20 years of parenting and has been awesome."

Episode Links: * www.gloo.us * www.prepare-enrich.com * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/168notes/ ‎

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

David Horsager David Horsager is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, national bestselling author of The Trust Edge and The Daily Edge, inventor of the Enterprise Trust Index™, and director of one of the nation's foremost trust studies: The Trust Outlook™.

His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal. David has delivered life-changing presentations on six continents, with audiences ranging everywhere from FedEx, Toyota and global governments to the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security.

Get free resources and more at www.DavidHorsager.com, www.TrustEdge.com, and www.TrustEdgeCoaching.com

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 1:53 - LINK TO DAVID's 1st time on dadAWESOME - https://dadawesome.org/138/ * 3:55 - Praxis Labs Resources https://www.praxislabs.org/ * 4:45 - New insights as a dad * 5:17 - "See the good, say the good, share the good." * 9:24 - David's 2020 reflection video - "15 Things I Learned In 2020 That I Can Use Forever" - * 10:01 - "Reflection allows space for God to speak to us." * 12:01 - Rhythms of rest and pause * 13:41 - Pacem in Terris - Hermitage retreat center * 17:33 - SEEDS - Sleep, Exercise, Eat right, Drink water, Source of strength * 20:24 - "People that are leading well, actually have a source of strength beyond themselves. And they're better at work. If people are getting all their life from work, they're worse at work." * 21:16 - "Inputs, always lead to outputs" * 22:13 - Phil 4:8 - Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.' * 24:28 - The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson * 26:06 - Discussing inputs as a dad that lead to great outputs * 26:07 - "Quantity time builds quality time." * 28:08 - Pathway to Purity * 31:04 - David's new book: The Trusted Leader * 33:22 - Trust Edge - David's bestselling book. * 34:32 - Faith-based module about what God's saying about trust. - Email the team for this resource. Anne (at) trustedge (dot) com * 34:58 - Trustedleaderbook.com/dadAWESOME * 35:41 - How dads can be difference makers. * 36:09 - Making a list of 5 DMA's (difference-making actions) for each day. Ask: What are the difference-making actions today to drive our mission, to do what we're supposed to be called to do today? What are the most important things? * 37:52 - One thing that consistently comes to mind is consistency, which is the final pillar of the Trust Edge Framework. And...as a dad or a leader, little things done consistently make the biggest difference, not the big things you thought... Little things done consistently make the biggest difference.

Episode Links: * David's new book: The Trusted Leader * www.DavidHorsager.com * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/167notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Rob Champion Rob Champion is the campus pastor at People's Church in Oklahoma City, OK. He's been married for 25 years to his wife Nickie and they have a 20-yr old daughter and 18 yr-old son.

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

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— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 3:20 - Describing the transition from younger years to high school "coaching mode" and friendship beyond. * 5:32 - Coaching out of relationship * 7:42 - What he saw from his dad - what areas he admired, and what he chose to do differently in his family. * 12:42 - Thoughts on brotherhood - Quote from Ecclesiastes - "One can be defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer, and the triple braided cord is not easily broken." * 15:26 - Killing Kryptonite by John Bevere * 18:22 - Weakness as a dad - struggling with anger. * 20:53 - How he recognized the need for a change. Recommended book: Leadership Pain * 22:48 - "I've learned that in our journey, don't be afraid of the pain, the pain that you experience is God's trying to show you and grow you through your pain. So embrace it and be willing to go on the journey. God will lead you." * 23:49 - "Anything you're not liking in how you're behaving is tied to a root in your life that God is trying to uproot." * 24:42 - "Guard your heart for out of it flows the wellspring of life, everything comes out of it." * 27:28 - Rob's Brotherhood Groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/menszoomgroup/ * 30:45 - Practical mentoring tips: "Seek first to understand your kid, seek first to understand your wife, seek first to understand anyone..." * 34:01 - "And just because you may not have the skills that another brother may have or, the abilities that someone else may have, understand that you, your value is not based off of what you do. It's based off of whose you are, you belong to the Father and your value is rooted in that. Stand confident in that understand you have something to offer your kids. You have something to offer your spouse. You have something to offer your church. You have something to offer this world and walk in your gifts and let other people do the things that you're not so gifted in and celebrate them in it as well."

Episode Links: * Pastor Rob's Brotherhood Zoom Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/menszoomgroup/ * People's Church https://peoples.church/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/166notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Dean Stinchfield Dean and his wife Lisa have 2 daughters and a son-in-law and they live in the west metro of the Twin Cities. He leads the ministry Men of The Kingdom and his personal mission is to glorify God by participating in the advancement of his Kingdom by equipping and encouraging the next generation of moral leaders in the church.

(Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 10:24-25)

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

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— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * PART 1 of this Dean Stinchfield conversation: https://dadawesome.org/164/

• 1:42 - Men of the Kingdom https://www.menofthekingdom.com/
• 2:08 - Chuck Colson Centurion program https://www.breakpoint.org/join-the-centurions/
• 2:37 - Being told by Chuck Colson, "If you don't think you're doing something for the Lord right now, you're missing it. As a Christian there's no such thing as retirement. There's just repurposement."
• 3:54 - "The biblical model of the church is everybody has been given a gift by the Holy spirit and that gift isn't to edify them, it's to serve the church and equip and encourage other people."
• 4:33 - Describing Men of the Kingdom - how he determined "the great work" he is meant to do in life.
• 6:29 - GUIDE FOR HELPING DADS FIND PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT https://www.menofthekingdom.com/resources-curriculum/
• 7:03 - A personal mission statement answers the questions - What are the unique gifts that you've been given? What are the burdens on your heart? Where do we feel completely alive?
• 7:28 - Three eternal questions: Who's your audience? What timeframe are you living your life? What treasures are you going after?
• 8:52 - Reading the Beatitudes with a Dad filter (Matt 5:3-12)
• 16:05 - Being asked to play a dad role for his friend who passed away tragically
• 18:46 - Living from the personal mission statement
• 21:28 - Final thoughts from Dean: Have courage. Pray dangerous prayers. What kind of mission do I have for my life? Take risks. Fail often and early. Don't be a critic. Be an encourager.
• 23:28 - Man in the Arena - "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

Conversation Links: * https://www.menofthekingdom.com/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Dean Stinchfield Dean and his wife Lisa have 2 daughters and a son-in-law and they live in the west metro of the Twin Cities. He leads the ministry Men of The Kingdom and his personal mission is to glorify God by participating in the advancement of his Kingdom by equipping and encouraging the next generation of moral leaders in the church.

(Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Peter 5:2-4, Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 10:24-25)

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

—MINNEAPOLIS, MN — August 28th, 2021

— DENVER, CO — September 18th, 2021

— PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 2nd, 2021

— NEW YORK, NY — October 9th, 2021

— PHOENIX, AZ — November 20th, 2021

Register Here: https://f4f.bike/

Show Notes: * 3:20 - Quote from Edmund Burke, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." * 4:47 - In response to this quote from Edmund Burke - pressing into the ownership of the space God has put in front of us. "This is my space and God's given us a space to....we got to have ownership of that and step forward. And we have kingdom power, so we should be stepping forward and utilizing that kingdom power." * 5:04 - "The man in the arena" - speech by Teddy Roosevelt - every dad is a man in the arena. * 5:42 - Beliefs passed down from his parents - that the future is good and we have a good Heavenly Father. Drawing out the best in him and projecting that into the future. * 6:33 - "That which we focus on tends to multiply....find the best parts of your spouse or the best parts of your kid and focus on those because they'll tend to expand. Either in your vision but also in your life." * 8:18 - Sharing with his girls: "I will always love you. I will always be your dad. Jesus will always love you. We will always be friends." * 10:08 - The emotional bank account - word bank account inside our kids. Affirmations are deposits and criticism is a withdrawal. * 11:46 - Why repetition is important when it comes to speaking life. * 12:26 - Setting up a foundation to be able to recognize when a relationship is right, this is what it feels like. * 14:02 - Sharing a not-so-awesome dad moment. * 15:12 - The best thing I can do for my girls is to love my wife and respect my wife and honor her, no matter what our relationship is doing, I'm called to sacrifice and love my wife, period. * 15:08- Speck management vs Log work - focusing on the small flaws or failures of other people, focus on yourself. * 22:10 - "CS Lewis talked about the God-like patchwork. He said, the revealed word is like, we're walking in this dense wooded forest. And every once in a while, the sunlight breaks through the canopy. And I think God's word is like that." * 24:34 - On why the local church is so important. "AW Tozer talks about in The Pursuit of God , that we should have an authentic relationship based on an experience, not hearsay, with God the Father, God the son and God the Holy spirit. And the local church gives us a chance to do that." * 25:33 - Why he volunteered in the kids ministry.

Conversation Links: * https://www.menofthekingdom.com/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/164notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 2021 Announcement: Registration is NOW OPEN for the FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100-mile bike rides.

Click HERE TO SIGN UP for one of these cities:

--MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- August 28th, 2021

-- DENVER, CO -- September 18th, 2021

-- PHILADELPHIA, PA -- October 2nd, 2021

-- NEW YORK, NY -- October 9th, 2021

-- PHOENIX, AZ -- November 20th, 2021

Goal - To raise $1,000,000 for the fatherless.

Four dadNOTES from the first Two Months of 2021: * 2:24 - Are we ready emotionally to handle the journey that our kids are on? We need to bring our emotional strength to their situation. * 2:32 - Episode 156 - Pastor Peter Haas (Part - 2 of 3) “I’ve noticed that my kids don’t need me to have all the answers, but they do need me to be emotionally capable of helping them find God in the midst of that. And, I’ve noticed that the greatest disciplers aren’t the ones with all the Bible answers. They’re the ones that are just willing to be present and go on a journey with you.” * 3:26 - Are we opening doors, are we hosting an attach on the hearts of our kids? * 3:33 - Episode 159 | Zach Neese - Story of Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah. "One of the ways that Lot, a righteous man, one of the ways he failed was in guarding the gateways of his kids' hearts from the culture that they had moved into. The culture influenced them, they didn't influence the culture....we have more access points in our lives today than at any other point in history and we have less training in how to guard those access points than in any other time in history." * 5:33 - Episode 161 - Efrem Smith - “Now my dad and I talk and we can’t have a phone conversation without my dad saying, ‘I love you. I’m proud of you. I love you’….and even at 52 years old, hearing my 77 year old dad say that to me even now is so empowering [and] so transformative. And so, I think for me, one thing I would say is dads need to not be afraid, not be hesitant in a healthy way of being vulnerable in front of your kids, because what that shows is that you’re not stronger than the creator of the universe...we do a disservice to our kids if we lead them to believe that we can live well without God.” * 7:21 - Episode 160 - Phil Comer - The concept of "the box" from the book Raising Passionate Jesus Followers [NEED LINK] – Jesus is the foundation, then there is discipline, encouragement, the rod of correction, order. The top is affection, affirmation and fun.

Book Blitz: (9 books) 1. 9:55 - Pursuit: 21-Day Prayer and Fasting Devotional - Practical takeaways for why fasting is a game-changer. 2. 10:22 - Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble. - Daily Bible reading plan - an app and a book. 3. 11:08 - Man Maker Project: Boys are Born. Men are Made. (Chris Bruno) - Unpacking the fatherlessness epidemic - Malachi verse - hearts of kids returning to fathers. "God's final warning is serious and dire. In essence the welfare of society rests on intentional fathers. Father well, God says, and the world will be blessed. Father poorly, and the world crumbles. It's really that big." 4. 12:03 - Win the Day by Mark Batterson - daily rhythms for winning the day. Sponsored book for the F4F tour - free for every person who registers for the ride. 5. 12:40 - Essentialism by Greg McKeown - What is the priority and how do we narrow our focus? 6. 13:20 - Play the Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be by Mark Batterson - A template for dads and sons for how to "play the man" and "be the man." Quote from the book, "My father had, to a marvelous degree, the gift of opening doors for his children, of leading them into areas of splendid newness. This surely is the most valuable legacy we can pass on to the next generation. Not money, not houses, or heirlooms, but a capacity for wonder and gratitude, a sense of aliveness and joy." - Quoting Arthur Gordan 7. 14:39 - Business Made Simple by Donald Miller - includes 60 free videos with his book. 8. 14:52 - Autobiography of George Mueller - A man of faith who built orphanages in the UK filled with stories of miracle provision. 9. 15:25 - Walking with God by John Eldredge

Conversation Links: * Register for FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Derek Johnson Derek Johnson is a singer-songwriter who has a heart to see people experience the power and extravagant love of God through music that carries God’s presence and anointing. He led worship at Bethel Church in Redding, CA for 5 years before relocating to the Sacramento area with the Jesus Culture team. He believes strongly in serving the local church and is a Jesus Culture Music artist and worship leader at Jesus Culture Sacramento. His heart is to see people transformed by encounters with Jesus who then transform the culture they live in. Derek is a relevant voice to this generation with a strong anointing for bringing intimacy and the joy of the Lord through praise and worship.

Show Notes: * 4:40 - "It's been a continuous journey that I've found with my daughter and now with my son is when you have children, I think more than even in marriage, you start to understand what love actually is and what love looks like, and kind of that responsibility in that way, that hits you." * 14:09 - Books by John Eldredge - Wild and Heart and Fathered by God * 14:23 - Takeaways from the book Fathered by God: "One, we need to be really intentional in the way that we father our kids, that really it is going to have to happen on purpose. To get in there and have the conversations and have the heart connection, realizing that our kids don't know how to do it." * 15:19 - Creating "heartstrings" with our kids - where they open their hearts to us and we open our hearts to them. * 15:45 - It's important to have grace for ourselves. * 17:45 - The Voice of the Heart book by Chip Dodd * 17:50 - "What I loved about Fathered by God was actually just the permission to recognize the gaps, to feel the pain of the gaps." * 18:36 - Takeaways from the book The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd - "The cool thing that this book highlights is that your anger is connected to passion. So somewhere in there, if you filter that pain and that anger correctly, what you'll find is something you're actually deeply passionate about." * 19:30 - "So these books are super instrumental and I think connecting that, God created us with emotions. They are there for a reason. They do need to be managed and certainly they need to be touched by the Holy spirit so areas can heal. But they're supposed to be in there." * 20:00 - "And I think if, for us, as men, for us as fathers, if we have a vision - and we should have this vision - to have kids who are emotionally healthy and capable in their friendships and their marriages and their careers, then we have to begin by doing the inner work ourselves. And just being that example." * 23:55 - Sharing the difficult journey of conceiving a second baby * 31:55 - On living out Christian values with our kids: "I don't even want to list it out on a list and so that they can memorize it. I'm like, I want to live it so that you can catch it."

Conversation Links: * Derek Johnson Worship Artist * Jesus Culture - https://jesusculture.com/ * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/162notes/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Dr. Efrem Smith Efrem Smith is a pastor, consultant, speaker, and author. He is passionate about life transformation, multi-ethnic development, thriving churches, and community development. As a product of the African-American Church, he also serves as a collaborative catalyst for African-American Church Planting, Disciple Making, and Urban Empowerment Movements.

Efrem was the founding pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church, a multi-ethnic church in Minneapolis, MN, He served as the Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. He also served as the President of World Impact, an urban missions organization. Currently, Efrem is the Co-lead Pastor of Bayside Church Midtown, a thriving and multi-ethnic community in Sacramento, California. He is also Co-Owner of Influential LLC, a speaking, consulting, and coaching ministry. Efrem is also a Catalyst for African-American Networks for City to City North America. Efrem has been married to his wife Donecia for 28-years and they have two daughters.

Show Notes: * 3:22 - Movie "Black Panther" - "he simultaneously shows such great reverence and honor for his dad, but he disagrees with his dad at the same time. And I think that shows a real tension of the way in which we honor our parents. But then there are these moments where we may have a sense of calling in our life that that is so different that we decide there's a different way in which we're called to serve, a different way in which we're called to look at a career or a decision in life. And we're trying to simultaneously go a different way from our parents, but yet love them and honor them at the same time." * 4:24 - Examples of ways Efrem stepped outside of the path his parents expected * 6:42 - Examples of fathering characteristics that Efrem has tried to copy from his dad * 10:13 - "Our lives can be a sneak peek to the Kingdom of Heaven" and I rewrote it, "our lives as dads can be a sneak peek to our kids, but way beyond just our own households." * 10:23 - How to be dads who lead our families into courageous conversations about justice, racism and reconciliation * 11:37 - A story of his dad treating others well even when he was treated poorly - "One of the things that my dad modeled in front of me was in spite of racial divisions and racial unrest, he was somebody that treated everybody respectfully and fairly... I had a chance to see my dad, even in the midst of times not being treated as well as he should have been treated in society, still treated other people - especially the people that were the skin color of others that weren't treating him so well, he didn't do that back." * 12:26 - "I've tried to model racial reconciliation and unity and diversity in front of my daughters. And I know that that's impacted their relationships." * 13:56 - "Maybe that's one sign that I'm modeling something well in front of my kids, that they see my intentionality showing reconciled, beloved community in front of them. And so that's one way we can be a sneak preview of heaven is in our relationships... allowing our kids to see that we're intentional about cross-cultural relationships." * 14:50 - Additional practical ideas to help raise kids who can see the beauty in all people. "Even the dolls, even the toys that they had were intentional about their diversity. So they could see beauty and all kinds of people. They could see intelligence, they could see problem solving. They could not only see that they themselves could be anything, but they could see that other cultures, other people groups could be anything just by the kinds of storybooks and coloring books and toys." * 15:35 - Time Machine Advice - Wishing that he would have listened more to his daughters * 16:44 - Spending more time praying for our kids * 17:35 - Efrem coaching us on the theme of raising daughters with INFLUENCE * 17:40 - Documentary on Venus and Serena Williams - https://www.amazon.com/Venus-Serena-Williams/dp/B00CBFB8MG * "As long as they could remember their dad told them they would be champions. There was this part of the documentary where when they were being asked, when did you know you were going to be great? And they were like, we always knew we were going to be great because our dad always told us we were going to be champions. Our dad always said, you're going to win Wimbledon. You're going to win the US Open. You're going to win the French Open and you're going to win it multiple times. Both of you will be champions. Both of you will be great tennis players." * 18:35 - "When I would pray with my daughters at night, when I would put them in bed, I would say, 'repeat after me, I'm a queen. I'm beautiful. I'm God's daughter, I'm a champion.'" * 21:00 - The decision to be more vulnerable and show emotions in front of his daughters * 22:35 - "Now my dad and I talk and we can't have a phone conversation without my dad saying, 'I love you. I'm proud of you. I love you'....and even at 52 years old, hearing my 77 year old dad say that to me even now is so empowering [and] so transformative. And so, I think for me, one thing I would say is dads need to not be afraid, not be hesitant in a healthy way of being vulnerable in front of your kids, because what that shows is that you're not stronger than the creator of the universe." * 23:06 - "We do a disservice to our kids if we lead them to believe that we can live well without God, that we can navigate life's challenges in our own power, in our own strength." * 23:41 - "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" [Dr Martin Luther King Jr.] * 24:16 - What are some ways that I'm missing it and being a "White Moderate?" * 26:10 - "Sometimes what it's about is the things you should do that you aren't doing, not the things that you're not doing that are blatantly and evil. It's about the things that you're passively avoiding, the things that you refuse to step into." * 27:08 - "I think we need to look beyond the sins that we didn't commit and look at the actions that we refused to live into." * 28:52 - "A meal where I would ask everybody to bring something that represented their upbringing, their culture... I would say during dinner, the same way we're digesting one another's foods, we have to be willing to digest one another stories, one another's pain, one another's dreams without our first reaction being judgment or denial... We have to digest these stories, receive them without initial denial or judgment. And I think that if we're willing to do that, that makes us better parents to our kids. And it makes us better dads when we're still learning and listening and receiving." * 32:26 - "Don't take the moments you have right now for granted and allow God to reinvent you as a dad at the different stages of your kids' lives." * 32:30 - CLOSING PRAYER

Conversation Links: * https://www.influentialglobal.com/ * Efrem's Instagram * Midtown Church * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Phil Comer After raising four kids who are all walking with Jesus, Phil & Diane were commissioned by the elders with the task of teaching parents how to raise passionate Jesus followers. Phil Comer, with assistance from his wife Diane and his son, John Mark, was the founding pastor of Westside: A Jesus Church, a large and vibrant church that welcomes millennials in Portland, Oregon. After handing the lead role over to his son, he and Diane launched Intentional: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers conferences as a way of teaching and training the hundreds of young parents in their church who were now raising families of their own. With his 40 years of pastoral experience and counseling, and lessons learned through his own parenting, he and Diane are bringing parents hope and practical help to accomplish their God-given task of raising children who will walk with God in vibrant faith.

Brook Mosser Brook and Elizabeth Mosser help lead the Intentional Parent’s ministry with Phil and Diane as well as serve at Riverbend Church in Bend. Elizabeth is Phil and Diane’s daughter, which makes Brook their son in law, which means they are all family learning to do this thing called life and relationships together. They live in Bend, OR with their four children Duke (9), Scarlet (7), Birdie (3), and Sloane (1). Brook and Elizabeth are passionate about seeing their own four kids become all in disciples of Jesus and helping other’s do the same.

Video of this Conversation: http://bit.ly/DA160vid

Show Notes: * 2:50 - Raising Passionate Jesus Followers book * 3:00 - Disproportionate relationships * 4:45 - Phil's father's day message "Fathering Like a Father" YouTube Link * 5:14 - Jeff asked Phil to speak life over Brook * 5:33 - John 1 - Jesus was full of grace AND truth * 8:12 - What does it mean to have a generational vision? * 10:41 - "And I think sometimes we need to remember that what we're doing with our kids is of eternal value. We're affecting their eternity and even generations to come." - Phil Comer on having a generational vision * 11:17 - Jeff asks Brook about the concept of "Default Settings" in parenting * 13:39 - Praying over the emotional wounds we've caused our kids * 13:50 - Praying "God, would you just shield them from the worst parts of me?" * 14:11 - Being aware of where your weaknesses impact your family. * 15:36 - Discussing the importance of seeing the big picture and not focusing only on individual moments. Phil and Brook run an organization called "Intentional Parents" * 17:22 - "Anything lasting, anything of eternal value, anything of substance, we can't do without Him. But as far as the big picture....we parent out of relationship - our relationship with God and our relationship with our kids and life, it's a rhythm, and God designed it that way." * 18:58 - You parent in relationships * 19:33 - How to set your own family culture - have a macro vision. "What do we want to put into the world? What do we want to be known for?" * 21:38 - What does it mean to "raise passionate Jesus Followers?" * 21:56 - "Trying to raise kids that operate in a different kingdom all together." * 22:50 - Analyzing scenes from movies to point out the lies people are believing. * 23:41 - "So I think as far as raising passionate Jesus followers - it's every single moment is Deuteronomy 6. When you wake up, when you lie down, when you go along the road, you're talking about Jesus, you're doing it yourself. You're not asking your kids to beat something that you're not beating yourself. And it's raising kids that really know and love Jesus." * 24:35 - Phil talks about when dads realize that it's a partnership with their wives, realizing kids are a gift from God, and their job as a dad is important - that's the lightbulb moment for dads at their conferences. * Phil quoting his son, John Mark Comer, "Pretty much every problem in the world goes back to fathers not doing what they were called to do and not walking with the Father the way supposed to." * 27:00 - "Cause I think everyone has father wounds in one way or another. Right? And you're never going to be a perfect dad, but you can be a thoughtful, intentional dad. And we're intentional about so many things in our lives. So as a dad, you can be intentional about your exercise, your hobbies, your work, your relationship with your wife, but oftentimes it doesn't usually trickle down to your kids, you know, by and large. And so I think if you can catch that vision to recognize like that is equally, if not more important than all those other things mentioned in the sense of work or hobbies or whatever, you will never regret it." - Brook * 29:10 - Brook discussing how there is a process for you and your kids - there are phases * 31:03 - Spiritual parenting - the most important thing you do is to teach your kid to walk with the Lord. * 31:30 - The Foundation Years - the first 5 years * 32:04 - The Framing Years - Elementary * 32:18 - The Functional Systems - Teen years * 32:44 - The Finishing Work - 18-22yrs * 33:19 - The concept of the box from the book "Raising Passionate Jesus Followers" - Jesus is the foundation, then there is discipline, encouragement, the rod of correction, order. The top is affection, affirmation and fun. * 36:15 - The most powerful parenting position is "with-ness" * 37:37 - the greatest gift you can ever give your kids after leading him to Jesus is the gift of a good marriage. * 38:20 - Phil's last word - "Tenderness" - 1 Peter 3 says, "You, in turn, must treat your wives with tenderness, viewing them as feminine partners who deserve to be honored, for they are co-heirs with you of the divine grace of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." * 39:26 - "So I just feel like the way we treat our wives, especially in front of our kids is of massive importance. You're teaching your sons how to treat their future wives."

Conversation Links: * Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting by Phil & Diane Comer * Intentional Parents - https://www.intentionalparents.org/ * Intentional Parents Podcast: * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/160

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Zach Neese Zach Neese is a Worship Pastor at Gateway Church where he oversees all areas of worship education including discipleship and worship training classes. Zach believes there is a difference between "leading worship" and pastoring people in the presence of God, and his leadership reflects his passion for helping people develop vibrant, transformational relationships with Jesus. Zach is a gifted teacher and writes much of the church worship curriculum. He also trains and advises worship leaders and churches around the world. Before coming to Gateway, Zach taught, worked with emotionally disabled young people, served as a youth and worship pastor in several congregations, and directed the Christ For the Nations Institute School of Worship and Technical Arts where he trained worship ministers from over 50 countries. He is a seasoned songwriter of many popular songs including the following:

• The More I Seek You
• Love Has Done It
• Faithful God

Video of this Conversation: http://bit.ly/DA159vid

Show Notes: * 2:18 - Throw Confetti and please add the hashtag #dadawesome https://dadawesome.org/confetti/ * 2:25 - Throw Feedback https://dadawesome.org/feedback/ * 2:35 - Throw Some Powerful Prayers https://dadawesome.org/pray/ * 5:35 - "That's comforting to me knowing that God knows I'm going to mess it up. And he still trusts me with some of his most precious people." We're never going to get it right all the time. Looking at the dads in the Bible...no one was a perfect dad. * 6:40 - "I think we have to give ourselves a lot of grace and a lot of mercy, but I don't think it's ever too late to really begin ministering in your own house." * 9:15 - Being a guardian of the doors in your household * 12:11 - Story of Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah * 13:42 - The history of entertainment industry and the greek god Dionysus. * 16:03 - "So as I'm guarding the doors of my kids' hearts, and I'm teaching them to guard the doors of their hearts, I'm asking questions like this, 'What spirit is this entertaining?' Teach them to ask, 'what spirit is this elevating? What spirit is this welcoming?' Because if this is a door, I get to decide who I host, who I invite, who I welcome and who I host. And everything is entertaining to some spirit." * 17:06 - What are we hosting in our home? * 20:18 - Telling the story of watching a movie and realized how it affected his kids in their sleep. * 21:50 - How to close the doors to darkness once they have been opened. * 28:42 - How do we know our kids' hearts? * 29:54 - Covenant Eyes * 31:12 - "To me, heaven is not going to be paradise unless all my kids are there. So to me, the most important pursuit in my life is the pursuit of God." * 33:03 - Zach's prayer

Conversation Links: * Zach Neese at Gateway Church * Zachneese.com * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jeff Zaugg Jeff and Michelle Zaugg will celebrate 15 years of marriage this year. They live in New Brighton, MN with their 3 young daughters and they are expecting their 4th baby in Spring 2021. After 10-years of entrepreneurial non-profit ministry leadership, Jeff served as a pastor at Substance Church in the Twin Cities for the past 7 years. In Fall 2020 Jeff took the leap and went full-time fatherhood ministry. He is the founder and lead cheerleader at dadAWESOME & FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS. When he’s not wrestling or playing hide and seek with his daughters, you might find Jeff out for a bike ride, making a pour over coffee, sitting by a fire with his wife or challenging some friends to a game of Spikeball.

Celebrating Three Years of dadAWESOME: * Episode #1 = "We Trust God" * 3:20 - Throw Confetti and please add the hashtag #dadawesome https://dadawesome.org/confetti/ * 4:30 - Throw Feedback https://dadawesome.org/feedback/ * 5:38 - Throw Some Powerful Prayers https://dadawesome.org/pray/ * 6:10 - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

Conversation Notes: * Full Interview with Jeff Zaugg on the Bethel University Alumni Podcast (Apple Podcast & Spotify) * 10:09 - Time hop of post-college career path * 10:27 - YouthWorks, pastoring, kids pastoring, dadAWESOME * 12:34 - Describing the work of dadAWESOME and Fathers for the Fatherless * 13:17 - Malachi 4:6 - He will turn the hearts of the fathers toward their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. * 13:41 - The promise that fuels the passion in dadAWESOME - Deuteronomy 30:19 - I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. * 16:40 - The LIFE framework: I am Loved. I am Intentional. I am Free. I am Engaged. * 17:28 - Fathers for the Fatherless events for Summer 2021 * 19:05 - "I think every entrepreneur, they find a pain point and you try to meet a need to correct that pain in some way you want to alleviate a pain." * 19:49 - Publishing Episode 101 right after his dad went to heaven. * 20:07 - Pain fuels passion. * 21:16 - Being planted in the local church was a huge part of God seeding the vision for DA. * 22:13 - Runs and Rides lead to Resources which lead to Retreats. * 25:43 - How has God met you in the wilderness seasons? Expecting every 3-5 yrs a major life crisis will come my way. * 26:28 - Wilderness Fellowship * 26:50 - Finding brotherhood * 27:24 - Freedom heart work * 29:54 - Imagine Beautiful - marriage ministry * 32:27 - "If you want to get shiny eyes for the current season, if you want to be at a spot, living in your passion, help other people around you get shiny eyes"

Conversation Links: * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team

Full Transcript: https://dadawesome.org/158

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Peter Haas Pastor Peter Haas came to know the Lord while working as an EDM rave DJ in a nightclub. Since that day, he has traveled the world, sharing his radical conversion story and calling others to experience the same joy and power. He and his wife, Carolyn, planted Substance Church in 2004 and they serve on the Lead Team of the ARC (the Association of Related Churches). He is passionate about music, film, and comedy. Peter and Carolyn live in the Twin Cities with their 3 children, Lijah, True, and Eden.

Conversation Notes: * Part 1 of this conversation with Peter Haas (Episode 155) * Part 2 of this conversation with Peter Haas (Episode 156) * 2:09 - How to raise a kid who loves Jesus? Nightly rituals, helping them find mentors and live in community, and falling in love with God's church. * 8:40 - How can dads help their kids with the big question of how can a loving, all-powerful God allow pain and hurt in the world? * 10:40 - Navigating smartphones and technology. Create rules younger. * 15:55 - When it comes to technology, "You do have to be a learner to be a leader." * 17:00 - Talking about sex and pornography with your kids * 19:01 - Covenant Eyes * 20:09 - Setting quarterly goals * 22:00 - Work life balance for dads * 24:35 - [Link to Peter's blog post] * 24:38 - Parable of the seed and the sower - Mark 4:18 * 25:23 - Planted in the house of the Lord they will flourish * 26:43 - "Find dads who are living out your dreams and get around them." * 28:28 - Peter's parenting blog posts + How To Be A Better Parent – OR – A Better Son Or Daughter! + How To Survive Young Kids – A Marriage Tip That Can Change Everything + How Vacations Can Save Your Marriage (& Your Kids)! + 3 Tips To Help New Dads Through The First 4 Months Of Fatherhood… + Top 5 Must-Read Parenting Books * Episode 22 with Peter Haas

Conversation Links: * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Substance Church * Peter Haas * Instagram

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Peter Haas Pastor Peter Haas came to know the Lord while working as an EDM rave DJ in a nightclub. Since that day, he has traveled the world, sharing his radical conversion story and calling others to experience the same joy and power. He and his wife, Carolyn, planted Substance Church in 2004 and they serve on the Lead Team of the ARC (the Association of Related Churches). He is passionate about music, film, and comedy. Peter and Carolyn live in the Twin Cities with their 3 children, Lijah, True, and Eden.

Conversation Notes: * Part 1 of this conversation with Peter Haas (Episode 155) * 2:09 - The trade off to having golden parenting time. * 6:02 - How to find common interests with your kids * 8:21 - We cannot expect our kids to initiate finding common interests. * 9:55 - Taking advantage of fighting and whining for teachable moments to grow your kids. * 12:11 - Your life happens in the margins and the less margin you have, the less time you have for those relationships. * 13:53 - They won't understand us unless we seek first to understand our kids. * 16:42 - Be present in the pain of life. * 17:37 - "I've noticed that my kids don't need me to have all the answers, but they do need me to be emotionally capable of helping them find God in the midst of that. And, and I I've noticed that the greatest disciplers aren't the ones with all the Bible answers. They're the ones that are just willing to be present and go on a journey with you." * 18:51 - "One of the number one predictors of healthy parents is the stress level of the parent." * 21:36 - Being intentional beyond the sphere of our direct kids (boyfriends, friends circle). * 25:19 - Focus on your marriage in the season where your kids are all young because when you begin to empty nest you realize how important your marriage is. * 27:56 - Asking mentors, what do I need to be doing now so that it will make things easier later? Questions he asked mentors as a younger dad. * 28:20 - Before age 13, make these four things clear: (1) "When it comes to dating, mom, dad and the family get to be a part of the choice...do they fit with the family values?" (2) Speaker 2: "No person will ever fulfill you and you need to understand that." (3) Speaker 2: "When it comes to the timing don't date too soon." (4) Start having the sex talk younger.

Conversation Links: * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Substance Church * Peter Haas * Instagram

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Peter Haas Pastor Peter Haas came to know the Lord while working as an EDM rave DJ in a nightclub. Since that day, he has traveled the world, sharing his radical conversion story and calling others to experience the same joy and power. He and his wife, Carolyn, planted Substance Church in 2004 and they serve on the Lead Team of the ARC (the Association of Related Churches). He is passionate about music, film, and comedy. Peter and Carolyn live in the Twin Cities with their 3 children, Lijah, True, and Eden.

Conversation Notes: * Substance Church * 5:20 - Sharing about dropping his daughter off in a new state for college last year * 6:15 - "There are certain things you can't protect your kids from. You need to just watch them go through it." * 8:11 - " I like to think this way... parenting is a series of 2000 conversations and I say 2000, I'm making up that number, but it's actually not just 2000 conversations. It's 2000 conversations, demonstrations and impartations." * 9:56 - "And if you think about those 2000 conversations, impartations, demonstrations, what's weird about them is you can log a lot of those when they're young, but intellectually, the conversations, they all kind of happen in a very, very, very tiny window." * 10:40 - The "window of discipleship" is between 12 and 16. * 12:58 - You can't log all of the conversations, but what you can do is give them principles like Psalm 92: "Planted in the house of the Lord, you will flourish." * 18:56 - "You can't export what you haven't first imported." * 20:15 - Begin with the end in mind. * 21:14 - Choosing priorities and avoiding regrets by paying attention to the juggling metaphor * 23:57 - How being a part of church helps provide multiple mentors * 26:48 - Sacred family rituals * 28:20 - "Logging as many hours as we possibly can in that golden window is the definition of good parenting. And if they have to not be exposed to as many opportunities on purpose, and my kids don't regret it, it's not like my kids sit and think, well, I didn't get as many piano and dance lessons and as many sports opportunities. They never sit around and talk about that. They talk about how many hours we logged doing a common hobby together..."

Conversation Links: * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team * Substance Church * Peter Haas * Instagram

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jeff Zaugg Jeff and Michelle Zaugg will celebrate 15 years of marriage this year. They live in New Brighton, MN with their 3 young daughters and they are expecting their 4th baby in Spring 2021. Here's a link to the 2020 Zaugg Family Christmas Card. After 10-years of entrepreneurial non-profit ministry leadership, Jeff served as a pastor at Substance Church in the Twin Cities for the past 7 years. In Fall 2020 Jeff took the leap and went full-time fatherhood ministry. He is the founder and lead cheerleader at dadAWESOME & FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS. When he's not wrestling or playing hide and seek with his daughters, you might find Jeff out for a bike ride, making a pour over coffee, sitting by a fire with his wife or challenging some friends to a game of Spikeball.

Conversation Notes: * 1:20 - dadAWESOME is on YouTube * 1:50 - 4 parts of todays podcast (WHY, WHAT, WHERE and HOW) + Why dadAWESOME + What were some highlights of 2020? + Where is this ministry headed in 2021? + How can I join the movement? * 2:20 - Proverbs 24:3-5 Wise people are builders. they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth. Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior, and revelation-knowledge increases strength. * I want this for my daughters: + Their hearts filled with the treasures of WISDOM + Their hearts filled with the pleasures of SPIRITUAL WEALTH + They are a mighty WARRIOR + They have revelation-KNOWLEDGE + They have increasing STRENGTH * 3:40 - WHY dadAWESOME - Rope Swing Ripple Effect * 3:40 - "The reason we exist is we want to see a generation of dads who are builders, who are saying with intentionality and focus with their time, with their money, with their passions. I'm going to build a family. I'm going to build towards having a heart connection with my kids. I'm going to build, in a direction that glorifies the Lord in a direction that my, my girls, or in your case maybe boys, my kids, my sons, my daughters are proud of a dad. who is building something of significance." * 4:15 - Wise dads are builders - they build rope swings * 4:20 - All of the POSITIVES of having a rope swing - the contagious ripple effect * 6:12 - All of the NEGATIVES of missing out on experiencing a rope swing * 7:06 - The Ripple Effect of Intentional Fatherhood * 7:40 - dadAWESOME exists to cheerlead and resource intentional fatherhood... Dads with hearts that are connecting with their kids * 7:55 - Deuteronomy 30:19 “…I have set before you LIFE and DEATH, blessings and curses. Now choose LIFE, so that you and your children may LIVE. * 8:20 - The NEGATIVE - the lack of fatherhood * 8:30 - FATHERLESSNESS Ripple Effect + According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.3 million children, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Living arrangements of children under 18 years old: 1960 to present. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau.) - POVERTY >> 4X GREATER RISK OF POVERTY - MOM-CHILD HEALTH > 2X GREATER RISK OF INFANT MORTALITY - INCARCERATION > MORE LIKELY TO GO TO PRISON - TEEN PREGNANCY > 7X MORE LIKELY TO BECOME PREGNANT AS A TEEN - CHILD OBESITY > 2X MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER OBESITY - EDUCATION > 2X MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL * 9:35 - We believe that dads connected to our Heavenly Father's heart are more intentional dads * 10:05 - FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS - awaken passion and awareness to the cause of the fatherless * 11:05 - We Resource & Celebrate Intentional Dads & We Ignite Passion & Action for the Fatherless... Pain Fuels Passion * 11:24 - What were some dadAWESOME highlights of 2020? * 11:35 - January 2020 - dadAWESOME Podcast Celebrates 2-years (25k downloads) * 11:45 - March 2020 - YouTube Intentionality (3k views in 2020) * 11:56 - April 2020 - Creation of dadAWESOME Foundations (93 dads joined us) + I am LOVED + I am INTENTIONAL + I am FREE + I am ENGAGED & I EJOY my kids * 12:24 - August 2020 - FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS (64 dads raising $104k for the fatherless) * 12:39 - October 2020 - Jeff Takes The Leap to Full-Time Fatherhood Ministry * 13:00 - Where is dadAWESOME headed in 2021? * 13:05 - Proverbs 24:3-5 Wise people are builders. they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth. Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior, and revelation-knowledge increases strength. * 13:43 - "Our prayer as a ministry is that we would be helping dads be builders, but that we would build a ministry based with skilled leadership and that we would have the treasures of wisdom and we'd have the pleasures of spiritual wealth and that there would be intelligence and insight that would lead to us equipping mighty warriors for the kingdom. Dads who are mighty warriors, raising up kids who are mighty warriors and there'd be increased strength and all these families." * 14:12 - Five Goals For The Upcoming Year * 14:19 - Prayer Team Grows to 150 members - monthly / daily / weekly / 2x/month (10 people praying every single day) https://bit.ly/dadawesomePRAY * 14:52 - teamAWESOME Grows to 75 members (people giving financially to fuel the mission) https://dadawesome.org/give/ * 15:22 - dadAWESOME Podcast Multiplies 10x to 250,000 downloads https://dadawesome.org/listen/ * 15:41 - dadAWESOME Youtube Multiplies 100x to 300,000 views https://www.youtube.com/dadawesome * 16:11 - F4F Multiplies 10x to 640 dads raising $1,000,000 for the fatherless https://dadawesome.org/f4f/ * 16:42 - How to Help Build dadAWESOME Together + 16:47 - JOIN us - ride, run and listen and watch + 17:06 - SHARE - Subscribe / Share / Review - by simply subscribing and following and sharing, the mission is advanced + 17:30 - PRAY - the prayer team is the engine of this movement + 17:45 - GIVE - https://dadawesome.org/give/ + 18:20 - INVITE - text 5 other dads and encourage them to check out dadAWESOME

• 18:50 - Jeff's Prayer - Proverbs 24:3-5 Wise people are builders. they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth. Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior, and revelation-knowledge increases strength.

Conversation Links: * Make a Donation to dadAWESOME * Join the Prayer Team * Subscribe to the YouTube Channel * Write a Podcast Review on Apple Podcast * Learn more about FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Ted Lowe Ted Lowe is an author, speaker, and the director of MarriedPeople—the marriage division at Orange. Ted is the author of two books—one for marriage ministry leaders (Married People: How Your Church Can Build Marriages That Last) and one for married couples (Your Best US: Marriage Is Easier Than You Think). He served for almost 10 years as the director of MarriedLife at North Point Community Church. He lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with his four favorite people: his wife, Nancie, and their three children.

Conversation Notes: * 2:35 - “It’s about going after more moments of awesome and fewer moments of awful.” * 3:30 - Moving from fewer moments of awful to more moments of awesome in marriage. * 4:00 - Marriage is made up of micro-moves. “We can choose to have awesome moments and they’re not as big as we think.” * 5:08 - What his dad did right * 5:12 - On losing his mom at age 10 * 6:20 - How losing his mom has impacted how he has raised his kids * 10:00 - A dad fail moment * 11:40 - James 1:9 “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” * 12:30 - “What they’ve found in neuroscience is that you need eight seconds once you’re triggered for your frontal cortex to kick back in.” * 13:25 - Take time when everyone is calm to coach our kids * 15:00 - Nurture vs Nature * 15:30 - "Kids come into the world fully baked. God has created them and it becomes our job as parents to steward that" * 17:48 - "When we look at our kids, you can take the pressure off yourself dads of thinking that you are in more control than you are... Give yourself some freedom that you just have to guide who they are" * 18:24 - Analogy from Pastor Levi Lusko about being an Archeologist * 19:35 - How to be intentional with finding and stewarding mentorship. Sharing wisdom from Doug and Kathy Fields. * 20:40 - Telling his kids, “It’s ok to be shy, but it’s not ok to be rude.” * 22:45 - It’s important to find those couples who are down-the-road for mentorship, but be careful not to compare your family to theirs because God created your family uniquely. * 25:00 - How to invite feedback from mentor friends. * 26:00 - Quote from Dr. Sue Johnson - “We’re trying to get emotionally from a couple people what we used to get from a whole village.” * 26:10 - Their story of adoption * 28:09 - Comparing a family to a baby mobile - “it doesn’t matter if it’s healthy or not, it starts getting in a rhythm. And when you add something to the mobile, whether it’s good or bad, it gets the mobile off.” * 29:40 - The four core habits in his marriage book. * Your Best Us: Marriage Is Easier Than You Think

• 30:30 - Biblical marriage is more about how God wants us to love each other, not necessarily from examples of marriage in the Bible.
• 35:07 - “Marriage is not about the big day, it’s about the every day.”
• 36:15 - “It always takes two to keep a negative cycle going, but sometimes one can stop it.”
• 37:05 - “People don’t have bad hearts they have bad habits. And habits we can change.”
• 37:20 - His wife said, "I don't need you to FIX this. I need you to FEEL this"
• 36:23 - Final marriage tips:
• 38:44 - Sharing how his wife asked him not to talk to her like a man, talk to her like a woman.
• Colossians 3:19 - "Husbands, love your wives and don't be harsh with them"
• 39:15 - Stop patterns that frustrate her and stop allowing small things to frustrate you.
• 39:45 - Make moments you enjoy. What would make her so happy today.
• 40:00 - When asking her, “How can I love you more?” Then when she answers, say, “thanks for letting me know.”
• 41:30 - Keep trying to win her heart... She's asking every day; "Will he still choose me?"
• 42:40 - Tips for becoming a more awesome dad. “Get on the same page as far about what you feel like you want to do with the kids. Because they will play you like a fiddle…kids need to know that you’re solid.”

Conversation Links: * Your Best Us: Marriage Is Easier Than You Think * Married People: How Your Church Can Build Marriages that Last
(Ted Lowe & Doug Fields) * http://tedlowe.com/ * https://marriedpeople.org/

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Aaron Smith Aaron Smith was one of the founders of Venture, now living full time in Thailand as a missionary with his wife and nine year old and thirteen year old kids. He has a passion to resource dads both in Thailand and the US.

Conversation Notes: * * 2:37 - Discussing life in Thailand as a dad. * 5:37 - Resources Aaron is providing to help Thai dads experience the love of God. * - "I went to a counselor and was diagnosed with work-induced burnout and kind of the result of it was that I just felt like that God expected us to work so hard and prove our worth, similar to parenting here in Thailand. Like you have to prove you have to gain your worth, your value, you have to pay back your parents for raising you, I kind of felt that way with God. But that's really not God's character if you really read the Bible. You can see that there's so much love and grace there. He just wants to spend time with us. We don't have to earn it...His desire to relate to us is not based on what we do or not do...He really cares for and loves us graciously, mercifully compassionately, and his desire is to really connect with us." * 8:22 - Losing his dad in a biking accident 16 years ago. * 14:10 - Encouragement for dads with young kids and balancing expectations of family and work. * 14:40 - Recovering from burnout and needing time to rediscover passion for God, kids, wife. * 16:30 - Rhythms that add life * 17:00 - Recommended podcast: From Burnout to Breakthrough * 18:25 - Verse by Verse ministries - a resource Aaron uses for his morning time with God. * 19:45 - Friendships and mentorship while living internationally. * 20:19 - "More than anything else in life, as a human, I desire someone to know what's going on in my head and my heart at the most raw and honest level. If you don't have that, you're not living life. And then the truth is, like, what's inside of me is not always pretty, it's ugly, like it's really ugly and thankfully the last year I've spent working on developing that kind of relationship with my wife. Before this we had a good marriage right but it wasn't amazing. It was harmonious, but this last year we both made a commitment to each other that we're gonna share what's going on in our heart even if it's ugly, even if it's distressing, even if it's like, oh man, it's shocking, but we want to be known by each other." * 22:45 - Fathers for the Fatherless rides and runs for 2021 * 23:15 - Sharing stories of the impact of Venture in Thailand. * 29:57 - Aaron's closing prayer * 31:30 - Recommended books: + Surrender to Love (Book) + The Gift of Being Yourself (Book) + The Place we Find Ourselves (Podcast) * 31:51 - Aaron's ministry page

Conversation Links: * Venture.org * Aaron's ministry page

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Seth Dahl Seth Dahl is a writer and worldwide speaker to adults and children. He is known for his powerful wisdom communicated through a contagious joy and childlikeness. Seth and Lauren love to empower families to build a strong connection that fosters peace and creates a thriving family culture. Seth, Lauren and their three children homestead with a large garden and handful of animals on a small farm in Texas.

With over 15 years experience working with children and being a children’s pastor, Seth has cultivated a passion to help parents create a thriving family culture at home. Sometimes parenting is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Seth and Lauren love being able to equip people with the practical and spiritual tools they need to create the thriving family culture they’ve always dreamed of.

  * Conversation Notes:
+ Episode 137 with Seth Dahl >> Show Notes
+ 2:11 - Keep Austin Weird
+ Jesus Loves Austin Instagram
+ 4:50 - Praying Scripture - protection from promises of God against fear
+ Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus reads Isaiah - He announces that “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”…
+ 5:45 - Crafted Prayer by Graham Cooke
+ 6:46 "I'm teaching my kids the Bible and I'm praying over them and I'm doing it over and over... I don't want them to just know verses that they learned in kids church. These are the Scriptures I want them to become who they are and to pull out that peaceful, powerful, loved, blessed child that they are..."
+ 8:55 - Powerful story of transforming the pain of not having a father growing up into gratitude and intentionality with his own family
+ 9:36 - "Be thankful in all things."
+ 10:50 - "Honor is celebrating who they are, who God made them to be, without stumbling over their stuff." Wearing a ring as a statement of honor and reminding what he's changing and breaking off his family.
+ 15:05 - An encounter with God that transformed the pain of his dad and his relationship with God.
+ 18:52 - Seth's book - Raising Spirit-Led Kids: Raising Kids to Walk Naturally in the Supernatural
+ 20:38 - 1 John 4:18 - "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (NIV)
+ 20:48 - The difference between punishment and discipline.
+ 21:03 - Hebrews 12:8 - "If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all." (NIV)
+ 21:13 - "If we punish our kids, we bring in the spirit of fear, not the spirit of God, the spirit of love....but if we don't discipline, it says we basically invite the orphan spirit, because they're now illegitimate orphaned children because we don't discipline, we don't correct, we don't have boundaries....so that's a huge part of the book because you don't want to punish, but you do want to discipline."
+ 24:08 - The heart of sonship and identity vs. heart of an orphan. "At its simplest, it means we're no longer alone in this, we're not on our own."
+ 26:15 - "The son is like, 'I'm not on my own. I do what I see the Father doing. He helps me, he leads me, he's for me, he loves me, he pours into me, and then I have it to give to them. I don't have to conjure it up. I don't have to figure it out. I don't have to do all these fancy tricks. I receive and then I give..."
+ 28:25 - "He is the architect and we are the contractors. It's our job to figure out his plan that he's designed and then design it and help build it in the earth."
+ 30:37 - Judges 13:8 - "Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.'" Manoah prays for an encounter with God to give specific directions for how to raise his son.
+ 31:55 - "I don't want to do it just from books, I don't want to do it just from the Bible, I want to do it from meeting God. I want encounters with God where he teaches me what to do with my kids and reminds me who they are."Conversation Links:      
+ Episode 137 of dadAWESOME with Seth Dahl
+ Seth Dahl Website
+ Raising Spirit-Led Kids
+ Arrows
+ Win Win Parenting

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jonathan Wiggins Jonathan Wiggins is a Christ follower who loves his wife, his family and his community of friends. Jonathan speaks, writes and mentors leaders. He is the lead pastor of Rez.church in Loveland, Colorado.

Conversation Notes: * 3:37 - Jonathan introduces his family * 6:26 - Learning the dreams of people you love... exploring them and fueling them * 8:25 - "he made so many of my dreams come true" * 9:25 - "I don't even know what your dreams are I don't know what the kids dreams are and so we spent the next few days unpacking the dreams of our kids of my wife or myself we wrote them down" * 9:45 - Renting an RV and putting 30,000 miles on it chasing dreams * 11:45 - Father's Day Facebook Post * 13:04 - Bible story of Rachel and Lea >> "The eyes of the Father are always turned toward those who hurt" * 15:35 - Don Boyett > "From you I learned that the eyes of the Father are always turned toward those who hurt. I learned that punishment is only useful to minimize exposure to greater harm. I learned that relationship, acceptance and love is what it takes to make a man. Thank you." * 15:45 - Jeff > "I have found that deep pain unhealed and un-surrendered to God without the Lord's power can really mess people up and cause such pain to their future kids and their future spouse and their like pain can really ripple down through generations we see it in the bible all over the place but sure deep pain that is transformed and healed and and submitted to a loving heavenly father that deep pain can lead to deep passion" * 16:20 - Bone brake analogy - forgiveness * 17:30 - "I remember just praying, God I don't know how to do this and I felt like God spoke to me and just said,
imitate Me as I imitate christ... and I felt like God said who's the best father you know and I was like Don Boyett... i mean he's the best father I know and I felt like God said, just imitate him follow his example and in following the example of a
great father I've become a good father" * 18:30 - darkness * 20:30 - "If light rescued me as a son, maybe light can rescue my son" * 20:40 - "Whatever I say or do, my kids are allowed to tell anybody at any time" * 21:25 - "You're only as sick as your secrets" * Galatians 6:1 * 23:20 - getting along or with trusted friends in the wilderness * 23:50 - Restoration Project - wilderness retreats * 25:00 - Story of letting his son take the lead... healing through letting his son guide the play * 27:05 - "It's not enough just to spend time with your kids or to pack them full of your dreams for them... it is such a kindness and it adds so much dignity to your kids to dig out what's on the inside of them to really discover what God's put in there because we do leave an imprint on our kids in their sense of self but God has first dibs on that and if we can help them discover what God's put there i think that's the best kindness we could show as dads" * 29:00 - Dad Fail * 30:05 - Inviting your kids to talk to you about anything * 30:20 - Maximizing Connection * 30:45 - Story of his son calling Jonathan out for making comparisons - "You are giving to me what that guys dad gave to him" * 33:00 - Forgiveness - "I just want to be the opposite of my father" * 33:40 - "Forgiveness frees us up to be the men we are called to be and not just a reaction to the pain and woulds and rejection in the past" * 34:53 - Practical Advice = Make Time * 35:19 - Christmas Letters - draw names and write a letter to the person whose name you draw - what you see in them. Words of affirmation. * 36:20 - "I think a lot of times us dads we leave things unsaid and so if there are things like that it doesn't have to be Christmas letters it doesn't have to be anything in particular but if there's a way for you to just say you know what i'm going to intentionally say what needs to be said your words are so powerful in your kids lives so open up your mouth and spend some of those words that we sometimes are stingy with in the day speak to your kids speak into the life of your kids" * 37:17 - Jonathan's Prayer

NOTE: New Book from Pastor Jonathan releases in January

"In at least one way, we’re not that different: Every person on the planet longs to be fully known and deeply loved—both, not one or the other. To be known but not loved makes us feel terribly exposed; to be loved but not known is superficial and unfulfilling. In this book, Jonathan Wiggins explains the heart of God for rich, strong, healing relationships. He teaches from a compelling biblical perspective, and each chapter is full of illustrative stories and practical suggestions. And Jonathan writes from experience. He has developed this kind of relationship on his staff team. They call themselves “lions” because they’ve found the courage to be honest and supportive as they work together to do great things for God’s kingdom.

The concepts in this book apply to staff teams, small groups, families, and friends. If you believe life change happens in relationships, this book is for you."

Conversation Links: * Jonathan's Church - Rez Church * Jonathan's Instagram

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Thanksgiving Giving Invitation We're inviting our dadAWESOME community to pray about supporting this movement.

Our Mission: Inspire and resource dads to live fully alive and lead their families to God’s awesomeness. A movement of dads receiving love from their Heavenly Father (Mark 1:11) and intentionally pursuing the hearts of their kids. “He shall turn the heart of the fathers to their children, & the heart of the children to their fathers…” Malachi 4:6

Learn more about supporting dadAWESOME

Allen Arnold Allen Arnold is an author, (The Story of With and Chaos Can’t) speaker, and Executive Producer of Content for Wild at Heart. His passion is awakening people’s hearts to pursue their dreams and creativity with God. As a former Fiction Publisher, Allen oversaw the launch of more than 500 novels. Now he helps people live a better story. He loves blue oceans, black coffee, hot salsa, and big ideas.

Conversation Notes: * 1:27 - Thankfulness games with our kids * 2:11 - Allen Arnold's new book: Chaos Can't * 2:41 -Check out dadawesome.org/give for ways to support dadAWESOME. * 7:30 - "As dads, we have the privilege of inviting our kids in a way that invites them into a larger story." * [additional Show Notes coming soon]

Conversation Links: * Allen Arnold Website * Book: Chaos Can't

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Thanksgiving Giving Invitation We're inviting our dadAWESOME community to pray about supporting this movement.

Our Mission: Resource churches with tools and coaching to help dads live fully alive and lead their families to God’s awesomeness. A movement of dads receiving love from their Heavenly Father (Mark 1:11) and intentionally pursuing the hearts of their kids. “He shall turn the heart of the fathers to their children, & the heart of the children to their fathers…” Malachi 4:6

Learn more about supporting dadAWESOME

Andy Crouch Andy is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, which works as a creative engine for redemptive entrepreneurship. His two most recent books--2017's The Tech-Wise Family and 2016's Strong and Weak--build on the compelling vision of faith, culture, and the image of God laid out in his previous books, Playing God and Culture Making.

Andy serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. For more than ten years he was an editor and producer at Christianity Today, including serving as executive editor from 2012 to 2016. He served the John Templeton Foundation in 2017 as senior strategist for communication. His work and writing have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and several editions of Best Christian Writing and Best Spiritual Writing--and, most importantly, received a shout-out in Lecrae's 2014 single "Non-Fiction." He lives with his family in Pennsylvania

Conversation Notes: * 1:16 - Andy Crouch - Author of The Tech-Wise Family & co-author of My Tech-Wise Life with his daughter. * 1:36 - Check out dadawesome.org/give for ways to support dadAWESOME. * 2:59 - Introduction to Andy’s family * 5:03 - What are some of the components that lead to a family that is flourishing? + Authority + Vulnerability + Discussing parenting literature about parenting with a balance of warmth and firmness. * 6:54 - The authority and vulnerability paradox. Authority - capacity for meaningful action, the ability to do something and have it really matter in the world. Vulnerability is exposure to meaningful risk. * 7:17 - “I think that our best moments as families, our best moments as parents but also kids’ best moments, are when we are given the capacity for meaningful action in some way. That is, we have some ability to have something matter that we do, AND we are exposed to meaningful risk - that is, it could go wrong and we could lose something.” * 9:27 - Discussing the process of writing a book with his daughter. * 11:45 - “Before they hit [adolescence], they're transparent in a way [that] we know what they're feeling, we know what they're thinking, and we usually know why. But then there's this important thing that happens in adolescence which is detaching from that transparency, in a way. Hopefully without secrets.” * 12:20 - Jeff’s perspective on the book: (1) Andy continually pointed his daughter back to scripture. (2) It wasn’t just about technology, it was about connecting with his daughter’s heart. * 14:08 - “The reality is tech is about the heart because so much of our relationships now are mediated and...especially as your kids hit adolescence... you really have to pay attention to the way that technology, and really specifically media, shrink the channel for relationship.” * 16:02 - “The first way in which this is really about the heart, is our heart is ultimately about Who knows me? Who loves me? Am I known by someone and does that person once they know me, do they love me? Do they still love me... once someone really sees who I am? And you know the biggest way tech fails is on on question number one: Does anyone know me?” * 17:19 - “So many of our relationships get channeled through these media that really are not sufficient for deep real relationship, and we really have to pay attention as our kids get older as to how we help them navigate that.” * 17:43 - Phrase from Tech-Wise Family: Technology makes things “easy everywhere.” * 18:50 - “There are good things about this (easy everywhere), but they aren’t good for our heart because we don’t grow when things are easy.” * 19:57 - “So much of our lives has become so easy, and easy is always an option, that we never actually experience what it's like to grow through difficulty, to grow through adversity. And yet, that's what actually makes us into the kind of people who can have deep relationships and who have... hearts to offer the world.” * 21:15 - Being creators versus consumers. * 21:45 - “I believe this goes all the way down to who we are in the image of god and that we are meant to cultivate and create in the world that's our that is our purpose as human beings uh representing the one who created the whole world.” * 22:13 - Connection between consumer culture and the story of the garden of Eden. * 23:20 - “And the message that we all get now is you're defined by what you consume rather than defined by what you create.” * 24:35 - Coaching from Andy around family rhythms and developing a “creating” culture in our homes and with our kids. * 24:45 - Definition of Culture - patterns that reflect underlying values. The strongest cultural patterns are those that everybody does. Build your culture and things you all do together. * 28:07 - Build a culture on rhythms of use and non-use and a rhythm of work and rest - Sabbath. * 29:07 - Screens disrupt sleep and screens allow secrets. * 30:53 - How he set up his house to facilitate the family culture * 32:15 - “How you design your space makes a big difference about what are you inclined to do together? Will you turn something on and start consuming or do you actually pick something up and start creating?” * 33:24 - Hope and encouragement for the dad who feels like he’s messed up. “You are not going to get through this without the two elements of trust: Rupture and Repair. * 35:45 - “You have got to realize that a limitless world is terrible for human beings and so you have to be willing as the authority in the home to re-establish limits that may never have had.” * 38:55 - Andy’s prayer for dads.

Conversation Links: * andy-crouch.com * Andy's Podcast * My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices * The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place * Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing * Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling * Giving to dadAWESOME

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jon Tyson Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the United States twenty years ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of Rumors of God, Sacred Roots, A Creative Minority, The Burden is Light, and Beautiful Resistance. For the last 15 years Jon has lived in Manhattan with his family. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Church of the City New York.

Conversation Notes: * 2:07 - Statement from a friend who works at Barna that heavily influenced Jon's life, "The church has basically reached a point of irreversible decline statistically, and by radical discipleship of our children, what would be described as a historic revival the church is beyond human turnaround. So it's going to take an act of God and radical discipleship for our kids." * 3:19 - "The summer of covid-19 has probably been the hardest season of my life, but I've seen the greatest answers to prayer in my entire life this summer as well." * 3:35 - Thoughts on personal prayer life and for our kids. "Intercessory prayer for the places that we live, having a sense of call to shape a place through prayer, those are sort of the huge passions of my life and I think it's the number one thing most people want to do, but don't know how to do. And it's the thing the enemy attacks the most because it's where all the power and fruit lie." * 4:33 - How to coach our kids to pray? Make Jesus as compelling as possible. Also, stewarding your own life of prayer and sharing those answers with your kids. And make prayer fun. "The goal of prayer is to get your kids to love Jesus and I think when you're a kid, making prayer as enjoyable as possible and having consistency over intensity." * Video Link -"Teach Your Children to Pray" with Dr. David Ireland -- We pray that these resources will be an encouragement and help to you as you guide your children in learning to speak with God! Thank you all so much for taking your time and resources to invest in your children in this way. I am confident that the Lord is going to raise up incredible disciples because of the way you are all sewing into your children's lives and faith! * 6:31 - Dr. David Ireland. Jon Tyson's coach. * 7:02 - Thoughts on having a coach, finding a coach, and what Jon has learned from that relationship and how it's changed his life. * 9:22 - Reasons to have a coach - "I think everybody needs someone older speaking into what they do. It's it's quite often in midlife...you've got enough success, you've sort of built your own coping mechanisms, tactics... you're kind of like 'I can just keep it going... I've built a life [and] I can probably manage this thing out,' and I was just like I need to get better. The future's changing and as things grow I need to be more agile, so I need to get a different toolkit." * 11:38 - How to recognize a mentor? "I think... we all need to know what are we deeply called to, and then we'll know when we have the right person to speak into our lives." * 11:55 - The Primal Path: Raising a Son of Consequence * 13:28 - Sharing about writing meaningful letters to important people in our life. * 14:04 - His son's voluntary expression of gratitude and how it impacted him. * 15:05 - Writing a letter to his dad to share with him what he got right. * 16:04 - Richard Rohr - "Whatever pain is not transformed is transmitted." "We tend to break our kids in the same place that we are broken because we don't know a way through it." * 18:00 The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness, and the Men Who Could Be Me by Bruce Feiler * 19:03 - The World Race * 19:08 - Sharing about the experience for his son. "I wanted him in this liminal space. My goal was to irreparably break his heart for the poor of the world so he'd never just be a spoiled, complacent American ever - He'd always be haunted, because those years are so formative... I just wanted to get in there, God's heart for the poor." * 20:00 - Book: The compound effect. * 20:25 - Sharing the story of his son's finishing The Primal Path with a 33 day hike across Spain * 22:08 - Parenting through social contracts - agreements around responsibilities, rights and privileges. Inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families * 24:43 - Book: Parenting With Love And Logic by Foster Cline * 25:30 - "We have a responsibility to take the beauty of Jesus and make him come alive in our kid's hearts." * 26:08 - The Primal Path. "The missing piece in modern culture, designed to help you walk a kid from adolescence into adulthood." * 27:25 - "Designed to create a sacred relationship and a sacred journey between his father and his kids to help them get into adulthood....if you don't initiate your kids and take them on a journey, they will self-initiate, often through tremendous harm, or the culture will initiate them....it's basically who's going to design the pathway of helping your kids figure out life? * 28:15 - "I'm trying to disrupt toxic masculinity and reclaim as normal a formation pathway from adolescence into manhood." * 28:35 - Pathway for his daughter - "50 Pieces of My Heart: 50 key deposits every father needs to make in his daughter's life." * 29:02 - Jon's next book, Intentional Father, Outlines five kinds of dads: + Irresponsible dads - come in, get out, do nothing + Ignorant dads - don't know what they are doing and do damage + Inconsistent dads - torn with their own ambitions - often absent + Involved dads - our culture's version of a great dad + Intentional Father - believes it's the primary responsibility and builds a pathway based on who those kids are * 30:40 - Sermon series around Altars. Message about the Home * 31:00 - Most recent book: The Beautiful Resistance - Being a dad of conviction vs. compromise. "Part of it comes with a sense of sort of working through your own drama... and figuring out what it is that God's given you, understanding what faithfulness to Jesus looks like, and then fundamentally breaking the fear of man... I'm not going to give an account to our culture for my life, I'm going to give an account to Jesus and there's joy in having convictions and there's joy in keeping them." * 32:34 - "Work out the convictions that God puts in your heart, convictions about discipleship, and then just don't care what people think. And it takes a lot of work and maintenance to not care what people think. And then to raise kids who are not controlled by the fear of man or the culture. You can't impart that if you don't have that. So there's a lot of soul work that you need to do to understand your own values and your own convictions and then be willing to literally go to war for them." * 35:23 - "Maintain the emotional bond with your kid. Kids come out of the womb with an emotional bond. Cultivate it. Keep it. That's the most important principle. So whenever you want to do any of these things, there's a connection where they trust you and they see that it's worth it."

Conversation Links: * The Primal Path Course - Raise a son of consequence * The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character (available Father's Day 2021) * Beautiful Resistance: The Joy of Conviction in a Culture of Compromise

Jon’s Altars Series:

• The Heart
• The Home
• The Church
• The City

Jon Tyson

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Church of the City New York

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Mark Batterson Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah. He serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a church with eight campuses that meets in theaters throughout the D.C. metro area, and also happens to own and operate the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 20 books including The Circle Maker, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Play the Man.

Conversation Notes: * 2:06 - “At the end of the day, I want to be famous in my home, and it’s hard to be famous if you are not home.” * 2:28 - Son - 25, Daughter 23 newly married, Son 18 * 3:28 - Her heart is yours as a dad until she is married. * 3:54 - “Fathering daughters and sons are like two different game plans.” * 4:08 - On raising daughters - “I really believe that as a father, I have this responsibility to prototype what a man of God looks like, talks like, acts like, and how I treat her.” * 5:01 - Encouraging his daughter to keep her heart pure until he walks her down the aisle. * 5:28 - Mark’s books have been springboards for Jeff over the years: Circle Maker, Chase the Lion, Play the Man * 6:53 - “Borrowing” life experience as a young pastor by reading books. Statistics say that every author pours about 2 years of life experience into each book. He read 250 books/year in the early days as a pastor. * 8:01 - “The people I know and the books I read will determine the direction [I’m headed].” - Jeff * 8:32 - The last prophetic word says that God will “turn the hearts of the father to their children… and I’m believing this nation needs revival, but I believe it starts in the home, and I believe it starts with fathers when we take ownership of the responsibility that God’s given us. And that’s not to put undo pressure on us, we are going to fall short, and that’s where the Heavenly Father compensates for our shortcomings as earthly fathers.” * 9:18 - “How are your kids going to learn how to say sorry, unless they learn how to apologize from you? So your mistakes are actually one of the greatest opportunities to teach your children one of life’s most important lessons….I think it starts with prioritizing our children. Not idolizing. Prioritizing. Big difference there.” * 10:15 - Mark’s prayer for dads to incline their hearts toward their children. * 11:30 - Proactively pursue fatherhood with a game plan. * 12:36 - Lion Chaser’s Manifesto * 13:03 - Why stop worrying about the past and things we’ve done and ways we’ve been harmed? “Because if you don’t own the past then the past is going to own you...we’ve gotta have self-awareness of those past hurts because hurt people hurt people.” * 13:48 - Story of Benaiah who chases a lion into a pit on a snowy day and kills it. “Most of us run away from a roar, we run away from what we’re afraid of instead of really running toward the roar and going after those 500,000 lb challenges we face. And fatherhood feels like that.” * 14:23 - “You never arrive as a dad.” * 14:48 - “You will always be their dad, and it changes, but the challenge is kind of unending, and honestly I think that’s pretty thrilling because I want to be the best dad I can be at every age and stage.” * 15:48 - Creating “reference points” with his kids. “I think it’s one of the most significant things I’ve ever done, more significant than being a pastor and writing books.” * 16:38 - Creating a “Discipleship game plan” with a weekly FSM (Father Son Meeting) and training his kids to cultivate a “holy curiosity” over the course of the year. * 18:38 - Book: Play the Man - a fatherhood book about being the man and raising the man * 19:23 - “Time is measured in minutes but life is measured in moments. So as fathers, I think it’s our responsibility to almost engineer or architect moments. You can’t totally manufacture it. You still need God to show up and show off. But I do think that there are things that you can do to set the table to have those sacred moments with your kids….it’s about creating these moments that then pay dividends down the road.” * 20:50 - dadAWESOME Steps Deeper * Step #1 = dadAWESOME Daily - receive a text with encouragement, ideas, prayers and Bible verses - text "dad" to 77222 * Step #2 = dadAWESOME Foundations - starts on November 5th https://dadawesome.org/groups/ * 22:40 - Creating a poster of words of life for his daughter as prophetic words that would speak into her life. * 23:45 - Thoughts on praying for your kids: God’s word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11) - Boomerang prayers - keep standing on the promises of God for our children and “the answer to the prayer will boomerang back and God will answer that prayer in a really profound way.” * 25:15 - Book that Mark wrote with his daughter, Summer: God Speaks in Whispers. A book about hearing the voice of God in everyday life. * 26:32 - “I think kids have a distinct advantage over adults when hearing the voice of God because they are better at learning second languages.” * 29:11 - Discussing his most recent book: Win the Day. Principle from the book - “You don’t find time, you make time for what’s important to you.” * 29:28 - There are two kinds of people in the world, those who want to win the lottery and leave it to chance, and those who win the day. Get up every day and practice daily disciplines, cultivate the habits that are going to produce the kind of results you want.” * 29:53 - “I don’t care what goal you’re going after, what problem you’re trying to solve, what habit you’re trying to break or build, I know exactly how it’s done - one day at a time.” * 30:32 - Habit #2 from Win the Day, “Kiss the Wave.” “You may not be responsible but you are response-ABLE.” * 30:50 - “You have to learn to kiss the wave that throws you against the Rock of Ages.” - Charles Spurgeon * 31:25 - Talking about his wife, Laura, and her cancer journey. “What have you come to teach me?” - A question to ask in hard times. “We need to embrace some of those challenges we face, in order to become who God’s called us to be.” * 33:05 - A final challenge for dads from Mark. “You’ll never be a perfect parent...but you can be a praying parent. And prayer turns parents into prophets who shape the destiny of their children.” * 34:29 - “Is there a blessing or a prayer that you can pray over and over and over again and it not become just repetitious or meaningless but would actually become more meaningful every time you pray it?” * 34:46 - Luke 2:52 - May you grow in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man.

Conversation Links: * www.markbatterson.com * Win The Day * God Speaks in Whispers * Play the Man * Chase the Lion

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jason Vallotton Recovering mental health, Cultivating spiritual fathers, and Living with Hope. Jason Vallotton is the pastoral care overseer at Bethel Church in Redding, California and is a sought-after counselor, teacher, and speaker. Previously, he served for 10 years in the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry as a pastor, counselor, and overseer. Jason and his wife Lauren live in Redding, California, and have 4 wonderful children. Jason’s primary passion is for the hearts of men to live fully alive to their calling. In his downtime, Jason can be found hiking in the Trinity Alps, fishing the Sacramento River, or hunting anywhere that wild game can be found!

Conversation Notes: * Full Conversation = Episode 131 * Takeaway #1 - Perspective Switch - there is opportunity in the hard times * 1:38 - “Great opportunity comes with every hard season for those who have eyes to see it.” * 1:58 – “I only get to decide what I do when I’m awake.” * 2:29 – “If I don’t check out, but I stay in the game even with my kids and my family, I gain so much more than if I check out for the evening.” * 2:37 – Quote from Danny Silk – “Kids are gonna pull 60 pounds of energy from you whether you give it to them or whether they take it from you you just get to decide how it happens.” * Takeaway #2 - Friendships & Mentorship * We must build these relationships * “What is covenant? You have permission to change my mind and I have permission to change your mind.” * 3:40 - “Servanthood is the way to the top. You will never outgrow serving...the more you have the more you’re required to give.” * "we're building an inheritance for our kids...the relationships that you create today, that you sacrifice for, it's not it's not as fun as people think. It's not easy I can tell you all those relationships that I just mentioned, there's conflict inside of them. We use all of our communication skills and conflict resolution and honor to keep those relationships going.” * Takeaway #3 - People Need What You Have * 4:55 - Attending church for yourself is the lowest level of living for a Christian. * 5:23 - His dad told him, “People need what you have. They need what you have, and you need to go to youth group and find someone that needs what you have and give it to them.”

Conversation Links: * Jason's Website * Winning the War Within by Jason Vallotton

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jeremy Shelton Jeremy Shelton is a man on a mission to directly confront sexual sin in the church today. He does so with the belief God is using him to grab hold of those heading toward a slaughter. His book: UNMUZZLED, exposes the grip of sexual temptation and sin like never before, and is set to be a game-changer for Christians in sexual bondage. He no longer just claims to be a Christian; he's now determined to go out and actually do what a Christ-follower does. He and his wife of eighteen years have five children and live in Texas.

Conversation Notes: * Takeaway #1 = "Man Time" * 1:58 - The purpose is to help my son know that his daddy loves him and cares about him * 2:10 - give your kids the freedom to pick what they want to do * 2:38 - pulling a "Mary Poppins" and dancing around on the roof * Challenge = make some time on your calendar in the next two weeks. Get a 1-on-1 scheduled

• 3:53 Takeaway #2 = Take Time Away To Hear God's Voice
• 4:22 - Taking a Sabbatical
• 4:45 - Why take a “sabbatical day” away to hear from God.
• 5:10 - It's desperation that drives us to spend time with your Heavenly Father
• 5:20 - I liken a sabbatical to that. I go away every year for my annual sabbatical to hear the Lord on what I’m called to do for that year. It’s phenomenal when you get away to hear the Lord. My mentor said, if Jesus had to get away to hear the Father, how much should we?”

• Challenge = Take 2-hours and get alone with your Heavenly Father

• 7:02 - You Can Experience Freedom from Sexual Sin

• 8:00 - Deuteronomy 30:19 "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live"
• 9:25 - Muzzled Men - “A Christian man in sexual sin…is muzzled. This muzzle renders him passive and powerless to participate in the Kingdom of God on this earth. It prevents him from becoming the man, husband, father, and witness he is called to be. This spiritual restraint mutes his connection to God. Worse, it incapacitates him from fulfilling his God-given purpose.”
  • Can’t Bark - prevents him from becoming the man, husband, father, and witness he is called to be
  • Can’t Bite - passive and powerless
  • Can’t Eat - his spiritual restraint mutes his connection to God

dadAWESOME Foundations >> 4-Hours of Intentional Fatherhood – We’re hosting the 4th round of DA Foundations and it’s a Zoom online cohort on Thursdays (starts in 2 weeks) from 9-10pm.

This is a FREE 4-week group that unpacks the 4 keys to adding LIFE to the dad life. You’ve got to register and we’re asking all the dads who join us to try to attend at least 3 out of the 4 dates… Here’s the outline of the content and the RSVP form. Please register by November 3rd:

I am LOVED
I am INTENTIONAL
I am FREE
I ENJOY my kids

Follow-up Links: * Buy the book UNMUZZLED * https://unmuzzledmen.com/ * Amazon - buy the book unmuzzled * Guide for a Sabbatical Day

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Moses Ehambe Here's the full conversation with Moses on Episode 118... After thirteen years of playing professional basketball all over the world, Moses is now the Senior Assistant to Athletic Director at Oral Robert University. Moses and Sarah have 5 kids. Living the DREAM one moment at a time.

Conversation Notes * 2:22 - Inside Pretty * 2:39 - "What's most important is what's growing on the inside" * 2:50 - The Fruits of the Spirit * 3:27 - His son is in Gentleman's University * 4:00 - Dads are the closest representation of God to their kids * 4:20 - As a dad, it is our job to mimic the qualities Jesus had on earth so our kids can know what God is like “God loves me, God protects me, God thinks I’m special….I mean the world to God. This is the most important part of parenting.” * 4:46 - God is our provider. God is our protector. God is our friend. God is our lover. That's who God is * 4:57 - We have to exaggerate on those qualities of God even more to our kids * 5:30 - Speaking Life. Thinking Life. * 5:44 - “Control your thoughts, control your words, because they will become who you are and your habits.” * 6:00 - Gentlemen’s university - protect girls emotionally and physically - speak LIFE * 7:00 - Proverbs 22:6 Raise up a child in the way of God * 8:09 - BONUS idea = "LIPS!!!" * 9:00 - Jeff Zaugg Transition and Vision Video = https://bit.ly/DAtransition * DA Foundations Course: https://dadawesome.org/groups/

Links: * Episode 118 = Full Episode * Moses on Instagram * Oral Roberts University * Parents Working From Home - Quarantine Edition | Team Ehambe (Neek Films)

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Banning Liebscher Banning Liebscher is a pastor, speaker, and author. Along with his wife, SeaJay, he founded Jesus Culture, a ministry of worship, conferences, and leadership development. In 2014, they planted Jesus Culture Sacramento, a local church in California with a passion to see people fully engaged in becoming who God has called them to be and to do what God has called them to do. Find out more at jesusculture.com. Banning’s passion is to see a generation of revivalists raised up who have encountered the extravagant love of Jesus and have given themselves for worldwide revival. He and his wife have three children, Ellianna, Raya, and Lake.

Here's the full conversation with Banning on Episode 126: https://dadawesome.org/126/

Conversation Notes * We are most alive when we are dreaming * 3:20 - "When I stop dreaming, when I stop allowing my heart to really dream about things that apart from God are impossible, I not longer kind of lean in, I begin to lean back. I don't engage, I disengage. And I would say the greatest thing in the world you could do for your kids is to be a dreamer that's pursuing what God has in your life." * 3:53 - "So I think our kids seeing us pursue the dreams that are in our heart is a really critical part of our fathering and discipling of them." * Trusting God with the Hearts of our kids: * 4:20 - A story of trusting God with his kids * 5:45 - "God I trust you with the hearts of my kids. I trust that you have what's best for them" * Brotherhood & Friendships * 7:48 - "At the end of the day, what we know is this: any area of my life that has blessed, any area of my life that has wisdom attached to it, any area of my life that has fruit attached to it, it's because other people have joined me in it." * 8:50 - "When I stand before God one day, [He's going to say] I didn't just require your best, I require your best and the best of these people I put around you, so when it comes to father I think the reality is our best ins't good enough - that's really never meant to be good enough. It' snot just my best I'm bringing to the is equation, it's my best and it's the best of...these men that pour into my life, that walk with me, that then allows me to be a good father." * 9:35 - "When I allow myself to be isolated, when I allow myself to be independent, when i allow myself to think that I just should be able to do this on my own and I don't need anybody speaking into my life or challenging me or encouraging me, well I just want to say that your best isn't good enough...God didn't set it up that way." * 9:54 - "God didn't set it up where...it's just you and nobody else, you just give it your best. He's like, I put a whole family around you and I'm bringing those strengths into your life so that you can accomplish what I've asked you to accomplish and raise these kids." * 10:14 - "There's not one area of my life that hasn't been touched by the strength of other and that's why it has a measure of success to it.

Episode Links * Jesus Culture * The Three Mile Walk:The Courage to Live the Life God Wants for You - Banning Liebscher

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

John Eldredge John Eldredge is an author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's Kingdom. John and Stasi live in Colorado Springs and he loves the outdoors passionately. His most recent book, Take Your Life Back provides a refreshingly simple guide to recover your life. By practicing a few wonder­fully simple practices—or what John calls “graces”—you can begin to recover your soul, disentangle from the tragedies of this broken world, and discover the restorative power of beauty.

Three Takeaways > Show Notes * 3:10 - dadAWESOME Episode 117 w/ John Eldredge * 3:30 - DA Daily - text "dad" to 77222 to receive an encouraging daily text message with prayers, Bible verses, dad tips & other fatherhood inspiration. * 3:50 - Takeaway #1 = Why is the Inside Out Dad Life Important? * 4:08 - Proverbs 4:23 - "Above everything guard your heart because out of your heart flows the wellspring of life... “How your heart’s doing affects everything else in your life. If your heart’s not doing well, you don’t love very well, if your heart’s not doing well you don’t have a lot of dreams. It is the epicenter." * 4:12 - “We are reaping the fruit of a lot of human brokenness generationally….Many kids are growing up either without a dad present, or without a present dad. He might be taken home, but he’s so taken out himself.” * 4:23- Carl Jung - “The greatest psychological impact of a parent on a child is the un-lived life of the parent….. If you’re taken out, it’s really hard to chase after the hearts of your kids.” * 5:08 - Parent for behavior vs. Parent for the heart * Takeaway #2 = Process of being Fathered By God * Fathered by God by John Eldredge * 6:30 - Both the little boy and little girl look to the father to answer their core questions. Boys - Do I have what it takes? Girls - Do you delight in me? Will anyone fight for me? * “God steps in to say, ‘Look, I can still Father you. I can take you on the journey of maturation. You need to know you’re a beloved son, you need to know that you’re a delighted daughter first.’” * God takes us through stages to the place where he can entrust us with kingdoms and influence (a family, education, money, etc). Guys blow up their world because inside they stay in adolescence. * Takeaway #3 = Advice to John's younger self * 8:24 - What you would tell your younger self - “You boys need to know you love them, and make that your top priority. You’re going to mess it up, everybody does...but love heals…...If your kids know “My dad adores me” then a lot of the failure stuff kind of bounces off. It really does.”

Links * Get Your Life Back book * John’s website * John’s podcast * One Minute Pause App * Instagram * Twitter * Facebook

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Three Updates & a Challenge: * This is a prayer soaked podcast - God has a next step for each of us * 3 Updates: 1. Season #2 Five Highlights- three dadAWESOME takeaways from _________ (5 episodes in the month of October) 2. DadAWESOME Foundations - starting October 8th... the foundations of dadAWESOME on 4 Thursday nights 3. Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart (Book & Course) + 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6. + Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee. + https://connectedfamilies.org/dtc/small-groups/

The CHALLENGE * From part 4 of DA Foundations * Enjoy your KIDS * 4 parts of DadAWESOME Foundations

L — I am Loved (You are my son, whom I Love)
I — I am Intentional (Time, Marriage, Friends, Church, Mentors, Exercise, Career)
F — I am Free (Heart, Forgiven, Pain, hurts, wound, Baggage, Purity, Shame)
E — I Enjoy my kids (In you I am well pleased)

• Adding LIFE to the dad life
• Our kids can tell when their dad loves being their dad
• My prayer is that our kids would say, “my dad loves being my daddy and that being a dad is the favorite thing my dad does in life”

• Shiny eyes come when we father with child like wonder... We need to father like a child

• curiosity

• Joy
• Wonder
• Being present

• Fully alive

• The Fight for our Attention. For our Awe & Wonder

• John 10:10 “the devil comes to Steal, Kill and Destroy, but Jesus came so that we might have LIFE to the Full (Abundant Life)”
• The devil wants to kill, steal and destroy our wonder and our joy
• We must pay attention to what is stealing our attention
• ENJOY = synonyms
• |
  • love |
  • be pleased by |
  • appreciate |
  • savor | |
  • be fond of |
  • find/take pleasure in |
  • rejoice in |
  • bask in | |
  • be amused by |
  • delight in |
  • adore |
  • get a kick out of |
• Story of Wonder
• Opening story in Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli
• A mind shift of intentionality
• It took intentionality to set up this moment of wonder
• Matthew 6:21 (TPT) “For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure”
• The more we treasure the dad life the more our heart will pursue more of it
• Our heart will pursue what we treasure
• My prayer is that you would ENJOY the dad life
• You are dadAWESOME
• Your kids can tell when you enjoy being their dad
• Episode 141 - next week will feature the top 3 dadAWESOME Takeaways from John Eldredge
• dadAWESOME Foundations starts on October 8th
  • Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee.
  • https://connectedfamilies.org/dtc/small-groups/
• Jeff’s prayer for every dad

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Josh Carney Josh is married to Lindsay and they are raising six kids ages 13 down to 6 including two foster kids. He is the lead pastor of University Baptist Church in Waco, TX.

Conversation Notes: * Subscribe to the weekly podcast * Leave a rating and a review * 4:32 - Connecting as a family * 6:05 - Acknowledging seasons where it's more difficult to connect with our kids * 7:45 - The struggle to show up emotionally to the kids. Connecting with emotions and being future-oriented. * 10:45 - Takeaways from his dad. * 12:23 - Bringing a non-anxious presence to every area of life * 13:35 - How to help our kids have a deep level of trust with us when they are in college. * 15:35 - Wanting to be a dad who can stay calm, melt the layers of his child's heart, and then pray for them. * 17:10 - Taking our child seriously, speaking to our child as an adult is a subtle form of validation * 18:16 - A valley moment that led to an "aha." * 21:00 - Being taken seriously as a teenager and how that has influenced his parenting. * ----------------------------- + Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart (Book & Course) + 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6. + Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee. + https://connectedfamilies.org/dtc/small-groups/ * ----------------------------- * 21:35 - On foster parenting * 22:19 - "storge" - Affection type of love - talked about by C.S. Lewis - The Four Loves * 22:35 - Foster parenting and loving without limits * 26:40 - Discussing fostering and anxiety, adopting a posture that says, "I can't open and close these doors, I can just be faithful." * 26:58 - A dad mistake - Using a violent action to make a point that was more harsh than called for in that moment.

Conversation Links: * UBC Church - http://ubcwaco.org/ * Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6. Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee.

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

David Horsager David Horsager is the leading expert on trust and how it’s built into everything from individuals and organizations to global governments. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

David has worked with clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies like Verizon and FedEx to the New York Yankees and U.S. Congress. He helps leaders and organizations become most trusted in their industry through research, speaking, consulting and human capital development. As bestselling author of The Trust Edge™ and The Daily Edge™ he has taken the platform across the United States and on 6 continents. He invented the Enterprise Trust Index™ and leads the charge in one of the nation’s foremost trust studies—The Trust Outlook™.

Conversation Notes: * Fathers for the Fatherless * 5:39 - History of his work on Trust beginning in ministry and now in the corporate world. “Trust affects anything more than anything and it matters more than ever.” * 6:19 - Sharing the story of starting his ministry business from nothing. * 7:39 - Thoughts on traveling and being intentional with kids * 9:34 - Transitioning business (which requires a lot of travel), ministry and family at the start of Covid * 13:10 - Incredible story of his Dad’s integrity and how that contributed to trust and purity as a child. * 18:47 - The importance of trust with our kids. * 19:15 - First finding on trust from his grad research: “Lack of trust is the biggest cost you have. And it's the same with a dad.” * 19:35 - In a team, sharing and creativity goes down without trust. * 20:05 - “Trust is the only indicator. You don’t have a leadership issue. The only reason you follow a leader is trust. Even diversity. * 20:31 - 8 Pillars of Trust Framework - the way to build trust * 20:44 - Biblical examples of trust/lack of trust: Prayers not answered because they didn’t trust God. Moses didn’t get to enter the promised land because he didn’t trust God enough. * Daniel 6:23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. * David’s trust - Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. * Prov 12:22 - The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. * 21:50 - The most deceptive person is the one who appears trusted. And you can build those eight pillars and look trusted for a time, but isn’t actually worthy of it. So to me, if you want to be dadAWESOME you gotta be trustworthy. * 22:15 - The Trust Edge is the advantage of trust. The greatest advantage you can have is trust, by being trustworthy. * 22:30 - Talking about clarity, which is one of the pillars, and how it impacts family vision. * 23:36 “Your kids will either write their own story or they will join someone else’s.” * 24:18 Asking the question “What does an 18-year-old Horsager look like. What is the output we’re going for.” He asked yes this question when his first daughter was born.

• 27:19 - Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart (Book & Course)
• 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6.
• Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee.
• https://connectedfamilies.org/dtc/small-groups/

• 29:40 - Tips for how to build trust as a young dad. “You need to see that trust is the root cause of dadhood, of leadership and life. They have to start to see that that's the core issue - you have to think bigger about trust.”
• 30:41 “Even though there's eight pillars of trust, I would say the king of the pillars is consistency, sameness….whatever you do consistently, you will be trusted for. If you’re late all the time, I will trust you to be late.”
• 31:24 - There are enders and repeaters. Be a repeater dad. Aristotle - “You are what you repeatedly do.” Augmandido - “We are a slave to our habits.”
• 32:43 - Healthy leaders need healthy accountability. You have to have accountability.
• 36:15 - An example of apologizing without excuses
• 36:36 - The only way you will rebuild trust is to make and keep a new commitment
• 36:45 - The Trusted Leader Podcast and the Trusted Leader book

Conversation Links: * Fathers for the fatherless * The Trusted Leader Book Pre-Order * https://davidhorsager.com/ * The trust edge book by David Horsager * https://trustedge.com/ * Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6. Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee.

We are part of the Amazon affiliates program, so any resources mentioned and linked above do support the ministry of dadAWESOME.

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Seth Dahl Seth and Lauren love to empower families to build a strong connection that fosters peace and creates a thriving family culture. Seth, Lauren and their three children homestead with a large garden and handful of animals on a small farm in Texas.
With over 15 years experience working with children and being a children’s pastor, Seth has cultivated a passion to help parents create a thriving family culture at home. Sometimes parenting is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Seth and Lauren love being able to equip people with the practical and spiritual tools they need to create the thriving family culture they’ve always dreamed of.

Conversation Notes: * Fathers for the Fatherless >> help our team reach the $100,000 goal. * 5:58 - Seth Dahl’s story of growing up with a single mom and encountering Jesus. Working in Children’s ministry. * 7:59 - On encouraging family and parent ministry - “If what happens in church doesn’t happen in the home it’s not Christianity. If this is something we DO not someone we ARE, we are wrong, it’s event-based religion.” * 9:08 - Hand to hand combat vs. sniper/archer combat * 9:21 Psalm 127:4 - Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands and blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. “The arrow is the long-range weapon of the spirit world.” * 9:50 - “God says you also have arrows and they’re your children and if you learn to work with your children in the kingdom, you can actually hit the enemy from a great distance like a sniper would. You can take him out before he even saw you. You don’t have to wait for him to come close and pull out your sword and fight him in hand-to-hand combat..you can shoot him before he even sees you. But that’s the importance of learning to work with our children.” * 10:58 “Arrows are not meant to sit in the quiver, arrows are meant to fly and strike the enemy, and if we don’t let our kids get out and let them do that, we are actually preventing them from operating in the God-given identity that they’ve been called to, and we’re just protecting protecting protecting instead of preparing and releasing and aiming and it’s like the whole world will be affected by what we do with our children.” * 12:18 - Analogy of purchasing pre-made arrows and the attitude of some parents toward the church. Treating church like a sporting goods store. * 14:00 - The way God text in the Bible is visions and dreams * 14:53 1 Corinthians 2:16 - for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ” * 15:46 - When I say I hear the voice of God, “99% of the time what I’m really saying is an idea popped into my head when I needed it most, and I sort of aimed my heart toward the Lord like, ‘Help! Help!’ and an idea pops into my mind and I’m like, ‘God is talking to me.’ Why? Because I don’t need him to speak in a certain way, he can drop an idea.” * 16:40 - “I can actually pick up thoughts from people around me, from the spiritual atmosphere around me, or I can have thoughts that God sent me. I attack myself thinking that it was my thought, when it was really the enemy. Or I dismiss God’s voice thinking it was my thought. And when I dismiss God’s voice, when I think I made it up, then I live in a whole bunch of uncertainty because if I don’t think it was God talking, faith doesn't come. Whereas if I think ‘that might have been the Lord,’ Boom. What comes? The faith of God comes with that thought.” * 17:28 - “Faith comes by hearing. So if I think I’m not hearing, I’m actually not able to walk in faith at all if I don’t think I can hear Him. Faith doesn’t come by reading. Faith comes by hearing.” * 18:06 - What do you do if you’re struggling to hear God’s voice? “His job is to lead us and guide us into all truth”…. Comparing God to a tour guide. “The Lord is our guide. He is our shepherd. He’s constantly leading and guiding. He may just use a language we think he’s going to, so we end up missing his voice, thinking it was something else. Or if I believe God’s not talking to me, that right there is the problem. If I believe God is not talking to me, then that belief blocks me from hearing.”

• 19:46 - Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart (Book & Course)
• 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6.
• Registration opens today, Sept 1.
• Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee.
• https://connectedfamilies.org/dtc/small-groups/

• 21:28 - There is discomfort in letting our children fly
• 21:48 - “Part of my job as their dad is to make sure I’m not putting myself their ‘God-spot’ and that I’m not putting other things in their ‘God-spot.’” Have our kids ask God to help them.
• 22:24 - Story of how Seth began helping his son hear the voice of God.
• 24:20 - How to have Spirit-led parenting. We want to teach our kids to go to the Comforter, and there are other times we are representing the Comforter to them.
• 25:25 - We don’t want to teach our kids to go to other things (TV, sweets, etc) for comfort instead of going to the Comforter. “I don’t want my kids to go to anything else but Him for comfort, otherwise I create a false comforter for them...”
• 26:31 - “ As a dad, I want the comfort sometimes of a peaceful home, so I will fuel false comforts to my kids so they don’t whine, etc...so I’ll be quick to bring a solution which reinforces a behavior so it’s like it layers to my own source of comfort and my daughters’ comfort.” - Jeff
• 27:15 - What has added more life to his family. “If I know what makes me come alive because I know me, then I can actually head that direction. Heading that direction makes me come alive, whether I’m fully walking in it or not, just knowing and actually going that direction...that makes me come alive. But I have to have self-awareness for that and I have to have wife awareness, and I have to have kid awareness.”
• figure out what makes you come alive and head in that direction
• 29:57 - he never wanted us to eat from the tree that made things fair he wanted us to eat from the tree that gave us life.
• 30:02 - my job is not to make things fair my job is to give you life, so if that thing doesn’t give you life, or if it’s going to take life away from you
• 30:52 - Have awareness of what gives our kids life
• 31:00 - Raising Spirit-Led Kids Book by Seth Dahl - coming out in Dec - available now for presale
• 32:29 - Seth’s resources: win-win parenting (for everyday life.)
• Arrows (for spiritual development of our kids).
• 33:58 - “The dad’s role is more important than we know. There’s a reason God calls himself the everlasting father. Your role is super important as a dad, no matter where your kids are at, no matter where your relationship’s at, your role is important. I’ve had the Lord several times [tell me] it may not look like this, but they’re actually begging for you in their life, it may not look like that’s what they’re saying but they are ....begging for you to be there...you’re very necessary to your family.”
• 35:05 - “The Lord has said, ‘I’m very committed to helping you succeed....I gave you the privilege of being a father and feeling what I feel. I gave you privilege to step into that part of my identity and I’m fully behind you I fully support you. I want you to succeed as a dad because when you succeed it shows the earth who I am. We have a really important job and we have an amazing Father fully helping us all the time.”

Conversation Links: * Fathers for the fatherless * Partnership with Connected Families. Discipline that Connects with Your Child’s Heart 8-Part Parenting course that starts on Oct 6. Use the code: "AWESOME" to Save 15% on the registration fee. * Raising Spirit-Led Kids Book by Seth Dahl - coming out in Dec - available now for presale * Arrows * Win Win Parenting

We are part of the Amazon affiliates program, so any resources mentioned and linked above do support the ministry of dadAWESOME.

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Adam Weber Adam is the founder and lead pastor of Embrace, a multi-site church based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Author of Talking With God and Love Has A Name, he also hosts a podcast called The Conversation. Adam still cheers for the Cincinnati Bengals but no longer drives a Rambler. He’s married to his wife, Becky, and has four kids: Hudson, Wilson, Grayson, & Anderson. He also has seven chickens, two dogs, & three fish, but what he really wants is a sheep.

Conversation Notes: * 2:05 - Fathers for the Fatherless 100 mile Bike Ride this Saturday, Aug 29, 2020 * 2:49 - Adam Weber’s recent book: Love Has a Name * 3:10 - Normalizing conversational prayer: “One of the things I do, and it might be weird at first, it’s just been a part of our home. If I think a prayer in their presence, I say it. And so it might be the simplest thing, and a lot of times it’s just thankful stuff.” * 4:51 - The story of adopting his son from Ethiopia * 13:15 - “For me the number one way to see the richness of someone’s walk with Jesus is the fruits of the spirit, and for our kids the number one way they can see Jesus in us is the fruits of the spirit. More than what we say or even what we pray.” * 14:55 - Why the book Love Has a Name applies to the dad life. * 18:22 - Each day when I wake up I always pray, ‘God would you help me to see one person I could love today.’...And when I start my day like that, it turns into the raddest adventure.”

Conversation Links: * Fathers for the fatherless * Embrace Church * Talking With God * Love Has A Name * Adam Weber’s Podcast

We are part of the Amazon affiliates program, so any resources mentioned and linked above do support the ministry of dadAWESOME.

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Adam Weber Adam is the founder and lead pastor of Embrace, a multi-site church based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Author of Talking With God and Love Has A Name, he also hosts a podcast called The Conversation. Adam still cheers for the Cincinnati Bengals but no longer drives a Rambler. He’s married to his wife, Becky, and has four kids: Hudson, Wilson, Grayson, & Anderson. He also has seven chickens, two dogs, & three fish, but what he really wants is a sheep.

Conversation Notes: * Fathers for the fatherless * Embrace Church * Adam’s books: Talking With God & Love Has A Name * 3:30 - Adam Weber’s Podcast * 4:00 - Sharing about his dad walking through physical hardship with a car accident and financial hardship. * 7:05 - Seeing his dad walk through pain with joy. * 8:15 - In the eyes of the world you say he’s not successful now but in the eyes of God more successful Romans 8:18 these light and momentary trials… * 9:25 - To get from A to C you have to get through B. * 13:50 - Thoughts on being convicted of treating the most important people in his life like they’re the least important. * 14:21 Book: Talking with God by Adam Weber * 15:53 - Free devotional online: “How to Be Somebody” * 17:00 - Setting goals and priorities with his kids * 17:40 - Saying yes to our kids even though we don’t feel like it. When they’ve invited us into their life we want to take advantage of that time. * 21:00 - Defeating the lie that you need to achieve to earn love. * 27:00 - How to pray for your kids * 28:00 - Taking time at birthday parties to honor the person and call out something about them.

Conversation Links: * Fathers for the fatherless * Embrace Church * Talking With God * Love Has A Name * Adam Weber’s Podcast

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jeff Kemp Jeff is a quarterback for strengthening teams. After his 11-year career in the NFL, Jeff founded and led the Seattle-based national non-profit Stronger Families, dedicated to helping families thrive. As he speaks and coaches throughout the United States, Jeff combines the best from professional team sports with the best of building strong relationships, team alignment and trust to strengthen the business. Jeff and his wife, Stacy, have been married 35 years and mentor young couples. They have four married sons and love tennis, skiing, and spending time with family.

Conversation Notes: * 1:54 - Make a donation to support FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS 100 mile bike ride - 100% of funds go directly to Venture Expedition and The Dwelling Place * 2:46 - Jeff Kemp - NFL Quarterback

3:26 - Book: Facing the Blitz by Jeff Kemp. Three strategies for turning trials to triumphs * 7:30 - Blitz - sudden overwhelming bombardment. Great danger and risk, that you might not be able to block extra defenders, could be an injury, but if the offense is prepared and able to adapt and willing to change, you have opportunity. Chinese symbol for crisis is danger and opportunity together. * 8:49 - Jesus turned his own blitz around for victory. Lazarus. Joseph. What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good. That’s a blitz. * 10:00 - John 16:33 - NFL version * 10:20 - How to get through a blitz: 1) Have a long-term view. 2) Willingness to change. 3) Can’t focus on yourself as a victim, focus on blessing others. * 11:10 - In the Covid Blitz - 1) Make time to listen to God like never before. 2) Play with your kids. 3) Ask your wife to rate your relationship and ask what you can do to move it closer to a 10. * 13:31 - Story of a dad fail. Blitzed by personal convenience and selfishness. * 16:50 - Blitz is an opportunity to apologize and * 18:11 - Encouragement is a huge part of being a dad. * 18:23 - The Gideon principle - Angel showed up and named him what he was going to become before he was that. * 20:09 - “His dad found whatever he could and encouraged it. I know that I am a leader today, I am a speaker, I am a vision-caster, I’m an encourager...because of my dad.” * 20:27 - You can’t build your identity around performance. * 20:50 - A dad’s job is to build a kid’s identity on 1) relationship with God, 2) relationship with you 3) their character. * 21:29 - On The Gideon Principle: “I’m trying to make sure that it’s more about speaking their character and their faith and the security of their relationships both with God and with me, more so than performance...those performance things aren’t as important as a dad as the faith, relationships and their character, speaking who they're going to become, not who they are right now.” * 23:18 - Think long-term. “You're raising this kid because God gave him to you as a gift. And your dad-job is stewardship.” * 24:41 - “If you act like a steward you’ll do a better job than if you're acting like the owner... you’re raising this kid so they find their way to the perfect daddy.” * 26:19 - Think of your kid’s heart like a gas tank. * 26:50 - Dad ideas: 1) Keep their love tank filled up. “Our job...is to parent their hearts, not just their behavior. And you can correct their behavior but you can blow them away with how much you love them.” 2) “They need a GPS for life.” 3) Know their identity (Gideon principle)

Conversation Links: * http://jeffkempteam.com/ * Facing the Blitz: Three Strategies for Turning Trials Into Triumphs

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

David Goundry In this episode, David Goundry, originally from NE England, now lives in South Florida with his wife, Louisa (originally from Brazil) and his two teenage kids. Passionate about global missions through OneHope, David discusses raising third-culture kids, traveling as a family, raising teenagers, and helping his kids become friends with anyone. He strives to live life and parent with intentionality, and believes in surrounding himself with mentors. David serves as the Vice President of Eurasia at OneHope.

Conversation Notes: * 3:43 - David introducing himself * 5:31 - OneHope - God’s word. Every Child. * 8:00 - Bible App for kids * 8:54 - Raising third-culture kids and traveling globally as a family. * 11:02 - Teaching kids to not fear differences. * 12:53 - “The other thing that doesn’t cost much, other than your time, is the intentionality of myself and my wife to make sure that we are including the children even at a young age in global conversations. So we are trying to demystify people that are of a different religion. We are trying to demystify those who are of a different tradition. So as much as we can we are trying to, even at a young age, try to explain to them, this is what they do, this is what they believe, and this is why it’s wrong and here is what the scriptures say. So the more that they became aware of what people were thinking, doing and believing, as long as we brought in the scriptures alongside that , it allowed them in their young minds to balance .I don’t need to agree, but I don’t have to fear. I don’t have to run away from them. I can still be friends with them.” * 15:43 - Dad hacks David has picked up from dads in other cultures: From the Middle East - Scripture engagement. “If our children were encouraged to study the word like a muslim child was encouraged to study the Quran, I think we would have a different church. When you look at how much a young muslim can recite and understand and you put that alongside some of the milk-based products and intentionality that we have int he Christian church, it’s night and day. The Quran engagement is much greater than scripture engagement in time and hours spent.” * 17:03 - “Our children are not going to naturally want to read and pick up these things and do this on their own. They need our guidance, they need our input, they need our encouragement” … Studies show there is a massive dropoff in scripture engagement between the ages of 7-11. * 18:19 - Dad hacks David has picked up from dads in other cultures - What cultures tell children they are capable of or not capable of. US vs. England. * 21:00 - On blending culture US and England with the best of both worlds. “I want to be able to figure out how can I have duty and obligation ingrained in their DNA, which is some of the pros of the English culture, eradicate the negatives of the english culture...and then couple it with the blessing of the American culture which is more pioneering that says you can do this don’t doubt yourself, if there’s a ceiling go smash it, work your way through it, but then at the same time, don’t get so pioneering and so taken away that you leave a carnage in your wake because you’re so focused on moving forward.” * 22:10 - Reflecting on a positive relationship with his dad. * 27:34 - David gives advice to teenage dads who have sons who are ‘losing their minds’ and what to do to insert themselves and help them. “‘[his dad told him,] From this moment forward, I am your only friend. From this moment forward, we are doing everything together’….he grounded me from life...and from that moment forward, everything changed.” * 30:48 - “He could have pushed you towards isolation, like grounding you to isolation, but instead he amped up, he leaned in...filling that void with dad love instead.” - Jeff * 32:10 - Parenting when kids are older looks different than parenting when kids are younger. “I have to learn in each season of my children’s life how to be a parent to them in that season.” * 35:52 - “I’m going to have to learn how to let go and to advise and be a dad from a distance as they carry on in their own life.” * 38:10 - Discussion of mentors. Ezra 8 - Sheribiah. A man of great understanding. * 40:00 - Putting yourself in a position to be around mentors or potential mentors. “I would look for someone with a different slant because they can give you something that you’ve never thought about, but say if I’m picking 5 people, only one of them would be cut from a different spiritual cloth, so to speak, in the giftings that God has given them.” * 43:20 - One parting word: Intentionality. “Because without that, nothing happens, it really doesn’t, because that then flows into your time with the Lord. You’re intentional with your time with the Lord, you’re intentional with your time at church, you’re intentional with your family. If you’re not intentional about it, then the next thing you know you’re just binge-watching Netflix [which you can still do with intentionality], but you work hard, play hard, and rest hard. Be intentional with all three.” * Rob Hoskins - Intentionality Post * 46:21 - David’s prayer.

Links: * OneHope * Bible App For Kids * Blog by Rob Hoskins on Intentionality

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

dadNOTES * 0:33 - Subscribe to the dadAWESOME YouTube channel * 1:11 - Fathers for the Fatherless - 100-mile bike ride with 70 dads. Aug 29, 2020. * 1:55 - Support the vision of Fathers for the Fatherless HERE * 2:29 - Episode 128 - Wayne Francis: Zoom Fatigue, Racial Tensions and the Needed Upgrade * Jeff’s takeaways: We are modeling the type of man we want our daughters to marry, the type of man we want our sons to be best friends with. Speaking words of life over our kids. * 4:30 - Episode 129 - Scott Wilson: Calling Out Greatness and Walking Through Grief. * Jeff’s takeaway: Telling the “story of the day” in a way that intentionally shows our kids how much we love them. * 6:18 - Hitting the golden buzzer. * 6:55 - Episode 130 - Josh Turner: Getting the Focus Off Ourselves * 8:13 - Creating relationships for my girls that would speak words of life and draw out the qualities in them that we want them to have in their life. * 9:10 - Being present at home with our kids * 9:33 - Episode 131 - Jason Vallotton: Winning the War Within * 11:27 - Spiritual Fathers and brotherhood

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jason Vallotton Recovering mental health, Cultivating spiritual fathers, and Living with Hope. Jason’s heart is to see the emotional prosperity increase through pastoring, counseling, teaching and equipping. His insight and wisdom have brought powerful breakthrough to difficult situations for both leaders and families. Jason is on the Core Team of Bethel church and has been on staff for over 15 years. He currently oversees the departments focused on emotional health and pastoral care for the local church including: the local church pastoral care team, the pre-marrieds ministry and the men’s ministry. Jason has a vision for a global men’s ministry that will “turn the hearts of fathers back to the hearts of sons!” Jason and his father, Kris, are currently developing and hosting men’s events across the country to fulfill this call. Jason and his wife Lauren live in Redding, California, and have four wonderful children. In his downtime, Jason can be found hiking in the Trinity Alps, fishing the Sacramento River, or hunting anywhere that wild game can be found!

Conversation Notes: * 1:08 - Mark 1:11 “And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." * 1:40 - DA Daily. To join simply text "dad" to 77222 * 3:20 - Story of Jason's first son being born when he was 19 years old * 4:48 - The gift of patience turning the burden into an opportunity. * 5:22 - Having friends and community gives perspective. “But we actually get to multiply our experience the closer we are to our friends because if we walk through a hard time with them, we get to gain the wisdom and the learning and understanding.” * 6:32 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 * 7:35 “Great opportunity comes with every hard season for those who have eyes to see it.” - Quote from Winning the War Within by Jason Vallotton * 9:05 - You can try and grow through the easy times but there's not as much opportunity to grow in easy times because you're not getting as much feedback. You're not really being stretched. The easy times are a poor indicator of what you're good at and what you're not good at. It’s challenging to grow when you’re not being tested.” There is fruit in hard times. * 9:47 - Psalm 126:5 -”Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Relating this to the story of a farmer making the hard choice between feeding his family the only seed he has and starting a poverty cycle, or choosing to plant the seed and watch his family starve for a season but ultimately breaking the poverty cycle. * 10:58 - We’re forced into this worldwide [question], “what are you going to do with the challenge you’ve been given?” * 11:53 - Going through a nervous breakdown in 2009. * 13:11 - His dad told him, “You're gonna have to decide how your kids are gonna remember you.” * 14:16 - “I only get to decide what I do when I’m awake.” * 14:41 - “If I don't check out, but I stay in the game even with my kids and my family, I gain so much more than if I check out for the evening.” * 14:47 - Quote from Danny Silk - “Kids are gonna pull 60 pounds of energy from you whether you give it to them or whether they take it from you you just get to decide how it happens.” * 15:54 - “There's an opportunity for people like never before not just to make a difference in history, but to learn how to embrace challenging times with confidence.” * 16:34 - The inside-out dad life - what were the warning signs before the nervous breakdown? * 19:30 - Moral Revolution * 20:32 - Everything was good - it was so hard to decide what to put down. * 21:49 - “Whether it's hard things or whether it’s good things, it has a weight to it. It has a weight value and good stress is still stress.” * 22:35 - Cultivating spiritual fathers: “If you’re going to put someone on your team, make sure they know they are on your team.” * 25:23 - “My dad told me once, never apologize for favor, just make sure you use the favor well.” * 26:17 - “What is covenant? You have permission to change my mind and I have permission to change your mind.” * 26:49 - “Servanthood is the way to the top. You will never outgrow serving...the more you have the more you’re required to give.” * 28:05 - we're building an inheritance for our kids...the relationships that you create today, that you sacrifice for, it's not it's not as fun as people think. It's not easy I can tell you all those relationships that I just mentioned, there's conflict inside of them. We use all of our communication skills and conflict resolution and honor to keep those relationships going.” * 29:10 - Clint graham david and his mighty men series of books? Linked * 30:25 - Attending church for yourself is the lowest level of living for a Christian. * 31:01 - His dad told him, “People need what you have. They need what you have, and you need to go to youth group and find someone that needs what you have and give it to them.” * 34:34 - “Look at what you want your life to be in 10, 20, 30 years and live from now.” * 35:05 - How to get out of [dark places], #1 - find new hope. Find who’s overcome what you’re going through. * 35:15 - Curt Richter - Rats with Hope - Sample article * 35:34 - #2 - Hope is literally gonna energize you. For hope, you wanna you want to get some vision and create some goals for tomorrow, and then weekly goals and then monthly goals. That's how I overcame the addiction to medication. * 36:16 - #3 - Pull yourself objectively outside of yourself and be able to understand that the moment that you're in there's a real opportunity * 36:34 - “You'll probably go through it whether you want to or not, so you might as well make it awesome, and getting some outside perspective is really, really helpful.” * 37:36 - “What we hide, becomes a definer in our lives and it begins to tell us who we are. And so it probably will be the hardest thing that we ever do, is to go ‘this is really Who I am’ but you'll receive love in a way you've never received love because people will love you exactly where you're at, and not for what you want to show you are, they'll know the real you. And therefore you'll have the power to get out of it.”

Conversation Links: * Jason's Website * Winning the War Within by Jason Vallotton

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Josh Turner In his role with OneHope, Josh shares stories of God’s Word transforming lives in the next generation with North American churches. Understanding that each church has a unique call to missions, he works with each to find the intersection between what God has called them to in their local context to how that overlays around the world. Whether it is church planting, evangelism, digital, or a combination thereof, he uses his understanding of OneHope programs to match churches with programs that speak to the heart of their church. With ministry happening in over 100 countries, there is a place for each church in North America to participate in reaching our vision of “God’s Word. Every child.” Josh is a graduate of Florida State University and for 15 years served the local church as a church pastor and planter. He currently lives in Atlanta with his wife, Becca and two children: Ayden and Riley.

Conversation Notes: * 2:15 Bible app for kids * 6:32 - “It really forced me down some dark times. I tell people I had a lot of dark nights of the soul. So many times people think it’s not ok to have those. It’s not ok to wrestle.” * 7:40 - “It is a constant wrestling. There are good days and bad days…...it doesn’t matter how much I love Jesus, how much faith I have, when you hand your daughter off for that type of surgery, I was scared, and it’s hard. And it’s ok for it to be hard…..So many people made us feel crazy….and they want to be encouraging and they want to help but it’s almost like they aren’t giving you permission to suffer and to struggle.” * 8:40 - “We’ve found in those dark, hard places, those are the places where you meet God. And those are the places you come to a new relationship and a deeper relationship with him.” * 9:40 - “We’ve just learned those dark nights, they’re hard, and you have permission to walk through those and suffer.” * 10:08 - video clip of his daughter singing not today - * 11:08 - Discussing his daughter’s faith and focus on others * 13:34 - Book: Raising a Modern Day Knight * 14:15 - Discussing an idea he had to have all the men in his life write his son letters. * 16:00 - Watching his daughter leverage her disability to help other people. * 16:28 - Jason laird - interviewing his daughter on FB live on how to walk through suffering - * 18:06 -Joy comes from living for others . * 18:43 - Quote from Rob Hoskins: “When you’re squeezed, what is inside of you comes out.” * 19:17 - “When we go through hard times or we go through trials or we go through struggles, how am I modeling this for my kids? And not only how am I modeling for my kids, but how are we as a family what we do, still putting the gospel and others forward?” * 20:20 - Being proactive in serving other families right now. * 20:54 - “I think that there is something that happens in your heart that I can’t fully articulate that when you are not focused on yourself, God has a way of caring for you as you care for other people.” * 22:00 - Disciplines during Covid: Working out, Getting ready in the morning (even working from home), * 24:33 - The Dusty Ones by AJ Swoboda - Book about how wandering in the seasons of trial and hardship deepen our faith. * 25:00 - setting up routines and rhythms during quarantine. * 26:05 - dadAWESOME ideas for Quarantine Youtube Playlist * 31:00 - Perspective on parenting a child with special needs. * 31:40 - “It is a physical, mental, emotional cost to love her, and I love her very much and she is amazing, but it is a cost to me. And I was praying about that and I felt the holy spirit say to me, ‘now you know what it’s like for me to love you.’” * 36:15 - Speaking to dads in a younger season, what’s the kryptonite that can cause pain to a marriage/kids? * 37:14 - Realizing how much he gave to ministry that he didn’t give to his kids. * 38:10 - “If we can figure out as fathers how to not bring work stress and anxiety home and into the family dynamic, I think that is kryptonite.” * 39:20 - “Don’t allow the distractions to take you from the family that needs your attention.” * Help us spread the word to other dads - include links to all the social

Links: * One Hope bio and contact information * Called Podcast - with Relevant Magazine * Josh's Instagram * Josh's Daughters Website * Josh's daughter fundraiser = "Normal is Overrated"

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Join a team of 100 dads biking 100 miles and raising $100,000 for the fatherless locally and globally. * OUR MISSION: End fatherlessness globally. Every child with a man they can call father. (Malachi 4:6a “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents”) * VISION: We ignite a father’s calling by connecting him body and soul with the cause of the fatherless and the heart of the Father. FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS will change your life by forcing you to look past yourself. We’re going to push ourselves, cycling 100 miles, in response to our Heavenly Father’s heart for the Fatherless. * DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2020 * MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/F4F202

Scott Wilson Scott Wilson is the Senior Pastor of Oaks Church in the South Dallas area. He is committed to raising up the next generation of leaders through The Oaks School of Leadership, preparing more than 100 students every year for ministry with university credits. Scott is a loving husband and proud father. Scott and his wife, Jenni, have three boys: Dillon, Hunter, and Dakota.

Conversation Notes: * 3:56 - Paul Hurkman * 4:13 - Oaks Church, TX * 6:39 - Sharing a difficult moment as a dad. * 8:33 - His counselor told him, “You know what, I think right now he’s more tethered to you than he is to God. You’re his God-line….until you get out of the way God can’t be there.” * 11:13 - “We hurt so much when our kids hurt.” How can we with younger kids not create a tether to ourselves? * 11:31 - “I want to resolve it for him where everything is fixed but if I do that, he’s not going to grow, and it’s the angst that causes him to grow.” * 11:56 - Think about the situation and determine if it’s going to be a tricycle accident or a train wreck, and use that to determine how much to intervene. * 12:53 - Why he goes to counseling. * 15:04 - “I think of a counselor not as a crisis person in my life, but as a growth team member in my life to help me know. I go even when I don’t ‘need’ it.” * 16:05 - Develop a growth plan to be a great dad. Talk to a mentor a season ahead. Get a counselor in your life. * 18:31 - We do not grow to experience, we grow by evaluated experience. * 19:21 - What he learned from his dad that he wanted to repeat. * 20:06 - A focus on Truth. Being a safe place to ask questions. Being a safe place of security in the midst of challenges in the world. * 21:11 - “We need to not be ever surprised by what our kids say where they ever get a feeling that it’s beyond dad. We set the tone on that.” * 22:21 - Telling the story of the day as a way to tell our kids how much we love them. Communicating in a way that they know how much we love them. * 26:46 - Tips for grieving the loss of his dad. “Grief is a gift that God has given us to be able to bring healing to us.” * 27:28 - How counseling helped him with the grieving process. * 29:06 - The distance between a good dad and a perfect dad is way greater even than between a good dad and a bad dad. * 30:21 - Parenting with Purpose book & FREE Masterclass * 31:11 - Being a dad who hits the “golden buzzer” * 32:31 - “Sometimes dads aren’t even looking. Or they’ll look at the deficit they’re at now, or the struggle they’re in now, but you’ve gotta look past, you have to look at the person. You’ve got to let God show you the revelation of who he made them to be. And you’ve gotta speak that out, call that out. If you’re kids became everything you called them to be, what kind of kid would they be, what kind of man would they be, what kind of woman would they be? And that’s exactly what you need to be speaking over them and pushing that golden buzzer and believing in them.” * 35:31- Have a shoulder ministry, not a stage ministry to lift others up. * 36:16 - Be a spiritual dad or mom. * 37:11 - God picked Elisha and sent Elijah to train him. God picked Joshua and Moses trained him. * 37:35 - “What if we could see greatness, pushed that golden buzzer, and those who are leaders, who are younger than us that are around us, [or] those who don’t have a dad, and we stepped in.” * 37:44 - Malachi 4:5 - “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” * 38:01 - We are living in the most fatherless generation of all time. * 38:24 - Being dads who actually believe that “the success of my life is actually going to be determined by the success of yours.” * 38:47 - “If something is making a generation of dads sick, if something’s got a hold, it is self focus. It’s looking too much to our own world, our own life.” * 39:31 - Parentingwithpurposebook.com - 7 keys to raising world changers * 40:00 - “You can even say the right things and do the right things, but if you haven’t gotten healed in your heart over the brokenness and the pain of your past with your dad, and the pain of your past with your mom, it will have a dissonance. You’ll speak words that may be right but they are coming out wonky….because you’re not speaking from a wholeness and healing inside. And one of the biggest things I see is that people who will let the Holy Spirit guide them through to get healing, man, you can make mistakes, but if you are healed on the inside, it won’t cause damage. You can be almost perfect, but if it isn’t healed in here it’s always coming out weird.” * 42:11 - Scott’s prayer for the dads

Resources/takeaways: * Choosing carefully what choices our kids make to intervene with. * Developing a growth plan as a dad - finding mentors and coaches * Grieving the loss of a parent * Calling out the greatness in our kids * Being a spiritual dad * Parentingwithpurposebook + FREE Masterclass

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dadAWESOME We’re on a mission to add LIFE to the dad life. We’re passionate about helping dads live fully alive as they lead their kids to God’s awesomeness. | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS * Join a team of 100 dads biking 100 miles and raising $100,000 for the fatherless locally and globally. * OUR MISSION: End fatherlessness globally. Every child with a man they can call father. (Malachi 4:6a “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents”) * VISION: We ignite a father’s calling by connecting him body and soul with the cause of the fatherless and the heart of the Father. FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS will change your life by forcing you to look past yourself. We’re going to push ourselves, cycling 100 miles, in response to our Heavenly Father’s heart for the Fatherless. * DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2020 * MORE INFO: http://bit.ly/F4F2020

Wayne Francis Wayne and Claudene, who he calls “Classy”, have been married for 20 years and have two beautiful teenage daughters, Haleigh and Ryleigh. Wayne loves to cycle and takes great pleasure in turning any floor into a dance floor. Wayne and Claudene Francis lead the New York location of The Life Church.

Conversation Notes: * 1:24 - DA Foundations - 4-Hours of Intentional Fatherhood - We're hosting the 3rd round of DA Foundations and it's a Zoom online cohort on Thursdays (starts a week from tomorrow) from 9-10pm. This is a FREE 4-week group that unpacks the 4 keys to adding LIFE to the dad life. You've got to register and we're asking all the dads who join us to try to attend at least 3 out of the 4 dates... Here's the outline of the content and the RSVP form. Please register by July 7th. * 1:50 - FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS - http://bit.ly/F4F2020 * 2:45 - DA DAILY - we are focussing the 31 days of July on Dad Wisdom from the 31 chapters of Proverbs. If you want to join us for a daily text, just text "dad" to the number 77222 * 6:47 - Plants and Pillars message on Father’s day - Psalm 144:12 - May our sons flourish... like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars… * 7:50 - “Great daughters and great sons are not called out, they are carved out,...which means that you’re chiseling something over time and your polishing and finessing, so it’s a work of art when you’re a dad that happens as a process of time.” * 8:28 - “Asking a question is better than making a statement. Questions shape character more than just statements.” * 9:05 - How he has chosen to parent differently from his dad, and what he has done the same. * 10:46 - Experiencing “reverse intimacy” with his father. * 13:21 - Mistake when parenting his daughters * 15:45 - Exposing our kids to the pain of the world so that they can develop a heart of empathy. Having conversations about justice with our kids. * 16:48 - “I think it’s very important right now to give your children the capacity to see beauty and diversity. That their relationships are flourishing from a very young age with kids that are of a different color. That they are getting to see exactly what it looks like to be in a multiplicity of cultural diversity that’s going to impact the type of humans they’ll be two or three generations down the road.” * 17:29 - Diversifying books and resources from a young age * 18:40 - Talking to his kids about how to react when experiencing micro aggression * 19:55 - “The condition of the soul is always at the tip of the tongue.” * 20:45 - Zoom fatigue analogy for having conversations around race. * 23:52 - Discussing injustice. “Your kids will never react to what they don’t see you reacting to.” * 24:41 - “Black fist white knuckles” sermon series. * 25:36 - “I’m trying to raise pillars not pillows.” * 27:04 - “Love doesn’t get laryngitis.” * 28:23- How to be an ally. * 29:40 - “You need to be the type of man that you’re going to be happy walking your daughter down the aisle to. Because you are the only one that’s going to shape that image.” * 30:35 - “Daughters and sons don’t grow in bad soil...am I the type of man that I would want my daughters hanging out with if there was nobody else around?” * 31:11 - Wayne’s prayer for dads.

Links: * Plants and Pillars message on Father’s day * Wayne's Church - The Life Church NY

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