DadAwesome - podcast cover

DadAwesome

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

328 | Preparing Like a Warrior, Transferring Manhood with Rituals, and Staying Energized (Stephen Mansfield)

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'r...

May 02, 202432 minSeason 7Ep. 328

327 | The Science of the Brain, Emotionally-Focused Parenting, and Creating Moments of Intimacy (Kyle Wester)

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. Em...

Apr 25, 202445 minSeason 7Ep. 327

326 | Establishing Men's Ministries, Living Life to the Full, and Connecting Through Adventure (Tim Lukei)

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 t...

Apr 18, 202442 minSeason 7Ep. 326

325 | Discovering Your Child's Purpose, Nurturing Independence, and Prophesying Over Them (Dean Deguara)

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. De...

Apr 11, 202434 minSeason 7Ep. 325

324 | Calling Out Your Child Through Ceremonies, Rites of Passage, and Spoken Blessings (Michael Warren: Part 2)

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...

Apr 04, 202428 minSeason 7Ep. 324

323 | Guiding Sons into Manhood, Defining Masculinity, And Four Principles of a REAL Man (Michael Warren: Part 1)

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 fr...

Mar 28, 202428 minSeason 7Ep. 323

322 | Viewing Fatherhood as an Adventure, Owning Your Stuff, and Getting Unstuck (Ian Smith)

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. Nothin...

Mar 21, 202449 minSeason 7Ep. 322

321 | Inviting God Into Your Pain, Cleaning Up Messes, and Living with Peace (Jeremy Morris: Part 2)

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 th...

Mar 14, 202446 minSeason 7Ep. 321

320 | Overcoming Addiction, Discovering Wild Courage, and the Power of Testimony (Jeremy Morris: Part 1)

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 courag...

Mar 07, 202451 minSeason 7Ep. 320

319 | Expressing Love, Thriving as Yourself, and Advancing Fatherless Young Men (Chad Wallen)

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. Nationa...

Feb 29, 202446 minSeason 7Ep. 319

318 | Choosing Connection, Using Your Hands for Love, and Creating a Fatherhood Vision (Zack Blair)

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 t...

Feb 22, 202444 minSeason 7Ep. 318

317 | Memorizing Scripture, Cultivating Tenderness, and Intentional Parenting (Phil Comer)

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...

Feb 15, 202443 minSeason 7Ep. 317

316 | Living Wholeheartedly, Honoring Your Wife’s Emotions, and Connecting Amid Dysregulation (Jay Vallotton)

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 ins...

Feb 08, 202437 minSeason 7Ep. 316

315 | Being Abducted as a Family, Exchanging Fear for Love, and the Signs of False Identity (Jamie Winship: Part 2)

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 belie...

Feb 01, 202432 minSeason 7Ep. 315

314 | Tackling Fear in a War Zone, Modeling Courage, and Embracing Your True Identity (Jamie Winship: Part 1)

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 prepare...

Jan 25, 202434 minSeason 7Ep. 314

313 | Becoming a Praying Dad, Seeking Friendship First, and Exchanging Wishes with God (Ryan Skoog)

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 w...

Jan 18, 202450 minSeason 7Ep. 313

312 | Staying Wild, Carrying Only the Essentials, and Chasing After Life (Tim Bohlke)

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....

Jan 11, 202448 minSeason 7Ep. 312

311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender)

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...

Jan 04, 202448 minSeason 7Ep. 311

310 | Supporting Your Wife, Intentional Multitasking, and Building a Foundation Brick by Brick (Taylor Doolittle)

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...

Dec 28, 202343 minSeason 7Ep. 310

309 | Creating Adventures, Finding Balance, and Being the Chief Fun Officer of Your Home (Kyle Depiesse)

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 ...

Dec 21, 202350 minSeason 7Ep. 309

308 | Being a Pioneer, Running Family Businesses, and Expanding the Definition of Provision (Jordan Stone)

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...

Dec 14, 202348 minSeason 7Ep. 308

307 | Failing Forward, Raising Powerful Kids, and Breaking Up with Passivity (Ben Serpell)

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 “...

Dec 07, 202341 minSeason 7Ep. 307

306 | Revolutionizing Orphan Care, Modeling Sacrifice, and Running Close to Your Kids (Mike Gallagher)

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 w...

Nov 30, 202337 minSeason 7Ep. 306

305 | What an Awesome Ride. What a Wild Opportunity. (Jeff Zaugg)

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 m...

Nov 23, 202340 minSeason 7Ep. 305

304 | Pursuing Visions, Journaling Daily, and Hearing God’s Prophetic Voice (Ken Helser)

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 hard...

Nov 16, 202352 minSeason 7Ep. 304

303 | Redefining Success, Abiding in Christ, and Becoming a Whole-Hearted Dad (Banning Liebscher)

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. Th...

Nov 09, 202337 minSeason 7Ep. 303

302 | Silencing Distractions, Seeing Your Children, and Being Set Apart as a Father (Carlos Whittaker)

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 pa...

Nov 02, 202332 minSeason 7Ep. 302

301 | Front Yard Fatherhood: Honoring Brian Stites

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 ...

Oct 26, 202314 minSeason 7Ep. 301

300 | Celebration Episode: 30+ Voices, 90+ Takeaways

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...

Oct 20, 20232 hr 14 minSeason 7Ep. 300

299 | Escaping Sedation, Meeting Jesus in Your Pain, and Sharing Fresh Jesus Stories (John Eldredge)

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 whi...

Oct 12, 202344 minSeason 7Ep. 299
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