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, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 328
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, 2024•45 min•Season 7Ep. 327
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, 2024•42 min•Season 7Ep. 326
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, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 325
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, 2024•28 min•Season 7Ep. 324
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, 2024•28 min•Season 7Ep. 323
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, 2024•49 min•Season 7Ep. 322
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, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 321
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, 2024•51 min•Season 7Ep. 320
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, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 319
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, 2024•44 min•Season 7Ep. 318
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, 2024•43 min•Season 7Ep. 317
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, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 316
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, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 315
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, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 314
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, 2024•50 min•Season 7Ep. 313
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, 2024•48 min•Season 7Ep. 312
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, 2024•48 min•Season 7Ep. 311
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, 2023•43 min•Season 7Ep. 310
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, 2023•50 min•Season 7Ep. 309
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, 2023•48 min•Season 7Ep. 308
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, 2023•41 min•Season 7Ep. 307
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, 2023•37 min•Season 7Ep. 306
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, 2023•40 min•Season 7Ep. 305
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, 2023•52 min•Season 7Ep. 304
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, 2023•37 min•Season 7Ep. 303
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, 2023•32 min•Season 7Ep. 302
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, 2023•14 min•Season 7Ep. 301
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, 2023•2 hr 14 min•Season 7Ep. 300
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, 2023•44 min•Season 7Ep. 299