DA365 | The Call to Friendship, Daily Rituals for Dads, and 10 Technology Practices (Justin Whitmel Earley: Part 2)

DadAwesome

#Parenting #Religion #Christianity #Jeff Zaugg #Fatherhood #Dadlife #Dadpodcast #DadAwesome #Awesome #Fathers #Christiandad #Dads #Christianfather

35:51

Diego Pavia and Paul Finebaum are this week’s Netflix Sports Club guests. Paul Finebaum, the voice of the SEC, drops a bold national championship prediction that might give the Big Tenners pause, and he reveals which SEC quarterback has him starstruck. Vanderbilt quarterback, Diego Pavia, gives a standout performance on and off the field in SEC Football: Any Given Saturday. He relives that improbable ‘Bama victory, including pre-game routine and why he thinks this victory changed the conversation about Vandy football - sorry Nick Saban. Paul Fineman and Diego Pavia gaze into the crystal ball of the 2025 season, and what do they see? Heisman Trophies, making Auburn pay, and LSU’s chances for glory. In this interview, Vandy QB, Diego Pavia: 🟥 Details the 2024 Vandy vs. ‘Bama Buildup 🟥 Discusses playing for Coach Lea and with his bestie 🟥 Reveals his true height In this interview, SEC Expert, Paul Finebaum answers: 🟥 Why the SEC’s staying power is unrivaled? 🟥 Who’s almost a bigger star than Taylor Swift? 🟥 Which team will win the 2025 National Championship? 00:00 Intro 01:24 Vandy QB Diego Pavia Is a Star 01:37 Beating Bama 03:19 Choosing Vandy And Coach Lea 04:58 Give Me The Ball 06:20 Dude Put In The Work 07:38 Nick Saban Said What?? 08:20 Underdogs 10:22 Watch Out Auburn 12:33 Recruits: Come To Vandy! 13:29 Kay and Dani Talk SEC 15:54 Paul Finebaum’s SEC Picks 16:40 All About Arch Manning 17:23 SEC: The Only Game In Town 18:25 South Carolina Should Be In The Playoffs 19:40 Shane Beamer Bounce Back? 20:14 Arch Manning Is No Taylor Swift 21:42 The Weight of Being a Manning 22:31 Finebaum: “Best Player Since Tim Tebow” 23 20 LSU QB1 + Championship Or Bust 25:39 Post Saban Alabama 27:42 Is Vanderbilt Legit? 28:44 Can Mississippi State Survive? 29:49 The Vols “Will Struggle This Year” 31:44 SEC: Natty. Little Tenners: Nothing 33:09 Outro 34:28 Up Next - America’s Team: The Gambler And His Cowboys 🏈 Diego Pavia Instagram - https://bit.ly/45uLND4 TikTok - http://bit.ly/4fsLY5p X - https://bit.ly/4ldwx2j 🏈 Vanderbilt Instagram - http://bit.ly/4lfo8eu X - http://bit.ly/4mCiaWt YouTube - @vucommodores 🏈 Paul Finebaum Instagram - https://bit.ly/45kVtPv X - https://bit.ly/46JQFWc 🎙️ Kay Adams Instagram - http://bit.ly/3GYp4Go TikTok - http://bit.ly/4m7KmR9 X - http://bit.ly/45nI2Ou 🎙️ Dani Klupenger Instagram - https://bit.ly/3HeGGxx TikTok - https://bit.ly/4lQSBkl X - https://bit.ly/4lWpufr 🟥 Netflix Sports Instagram - http://bit.ly/45CPAhL TikTok - http://bit.ly/4mti6Ia X - http://bit.ly/4mseqGH Facebook - http://bit.ly/45o5xqK YouTube - @NetflixSports We want to hear from you! Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/NetflixSportsClub Be sure to watch, listen, and subscribe to the Netflix Sports Club Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Tudum, and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Kay Adams, the Netflix Sports Club Podcast is an all-access deep dive into the Netflix Sports Universe. Join Kay as she speaks with athletes, coaches, and top sports correspondents to break down the latest Netflix Sports series. Expect bold opinions, insightful analysis, and candid conversations you won’t find anywhere else.…

about a year ago 27:53

MP3•Episode home

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
T he 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

Connect with dadAWESOME

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

389 episodes

DadAwesome

DA365 | The Call to Friendship, Daily Rituals for Dads, and 10 Technology Practices (Justin Whitmel Earley: Part 2)

DadAwesome

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

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

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
T he 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

Connect with dadAWESOME

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

389 episodes

#Parenting #Religion #Christianity #Jeff Zaugg #Fatherhood #Dadlife #Dadpodcast #DadAwesome #Awesome #Fathers #Christiandad #Dads #Christianfather

All episodes

DadAwesome

1
DA394 | Moving From Dictator Dad to Friend Dad & Creating Multi-Generational Impact (Lance Welch) 43:18

6 days ago43:18

43:18

✅ 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)…

DadAwesome

1
DA393 | Dad Lessons From Kobe, Time-Energy-Attention, & Choosing People Over Accomplishments (John Olinger) 48:47

13 days ago48:47

48:47

✅ 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: "Winning is subjective. And the only way you can win is if you get extremely clear about what it means to win." - John Olinger "We're under attack all day long from distractions, our brains playing tricks on us about what things are fulfilling in the moment, going after short hits of dopamine, chasing success and accomplishments at the expense of other things." - John Olinger "The reason why [Kobe] worked out at 4am was because he wanted to be there in the morning when his kids got up and before they went to school... At two o'clock, he's done. Hard stop. Why? He's got to go to the carpool line." - John Olinger "Can you just pause and say, what's one thing that's simple that I could apply to point into the relationships with the people that matter the most to me?" - John Olinger "If I'm halfway done, that means that every year for the rest of my life is gonna be between one and 2% of the remaining amount of my life. Do I wanna wait for later to do the things that are most important?" - John Olinger GUEST John Olinger is the author of "Worthy Wins: Pointing Your Life Toward What Matters Most" and a former Nike executive who served as global brand director for Kobe Bryant. After over a decade at Nike, John made a cross-country move with his family to Florida, choosing intentional fatherhood over corporate climbing. He and his wife have three boys (ages 10, 8, and 5) and are passionate about helping other parents define and pursue what truly matters most. John speaks and consults on leadership, purpose, and the intersection of success and significance. LINKS: 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…

DadAwesome

1
DA392 | From Soccer Fields to Soul Formation: Building Boys Into Men in Southeast Asia (Bryan Greenwood) 51:47

20 days ago51:47

51:47

✅ 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…

DadAwesome

1
DA391 | Why Your Family is a Garden Not a Machine, The Power of Weakness in Parenting, and Creating Sacred Space (Dave Brickey) 45:07

27 days ago45:07

45:07

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

DadAwesome

1
DA390 | State of Biblical Fatherhood, Foster Care Wisdom, and Preparing Arrows for Battle (Josh Kubler) 55:53

5 weeks ago55:53

55:53

🎯 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…

DadAwesome

1
DA389 | When a Cup of Water Becomes a Call to Wonder: Treasuring vs. Enduring Fatherhood (Jeff Zaugg) 50:46

6 weeks ago50:46

50:46

🥝 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."…

DadAwesome

1
DA388 | Self-Aware, Other-Aware, God-Aware: Relational Wisdom That Changes Everything at Home (Ken Sande) 26:38

7 weeks ago26:38

26:38

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)…

DadAwesome

1
DA387 | The Ripple Effect of Fatherhood, Saying "I'm Sorry," and Going Upstream in Conflict (Ken Sande PART 1) 29:59

8 weeks ago29:59

29:59

✅ 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…

DadAwesome

1
DA386 | High-Def Parenting: Breaking Free from Digital Distractions (Darren Whitehead) 47:13

9 weeks ago47:13

47:13

✅ 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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DA385 | Raising Kids Who Live Generously, Creating Miracle Moments, and the 1% Challenge (Todd Harper) 58:34

10 weeks ago58:34

58:34

✅ 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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DA384 | Turning Down the Noise, Turning Up the Presence: A Dad's Guide to Analog Living (Jay Kim) 44:40

11 weeks ago44:40

44:40

✅ 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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DA383 | From Fatherless to Faithful: Healing Pain, Breaking Cycles, and Pursuing Your Children's Hearts (Leo Clark) 52:17

12 weeks ago52:17

52:17

✅ 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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DA382 | Kids Takeover: Dessert Disasters, Sibling Squabbles, and Finding Joy in The Big Mess (Justin Whitmel Earley) 26:52

13 weeks ago26:52

26:52

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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DA381 | Embracing Imperfect Fatherhood, Staying Morally Grounded, and Creating Moments That Last (Bob Merritt PART2) 32:01

14 weeks ago32:01

32:01

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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DA380 | Building a Home Your Kids Want to Be In: Bob Merritt on Church, Humility, and Confronting Blind Spots (PART 1) 30:09

15 weeks ago30:09