Shows
Fathering Our FutureThe Undying Desire Daughters Have for Their DadsA few weeks back I was joined by Dr. Meg Meeker to talk about the necessity of a dad for daughters. This week I want to take things a step further and help you see that your daughters do not just need you but they truly want you.I came across a letter from my wife’s grandmother where she wrote about her testimony. Much of the emptiness and distress she mentions was due to her relationship with her dad. I want to share this reflective insight to help you realize the desire your da...2025-07-2125 minFathering Our FutureThe Benefits and Dangers of Video Games With Scott NovisI grew up with teachers and leaders telling me that video games were a waste of time and that they offered no benefit to me. The truth is, video games can offer benefits. And yes, they can also come with some terribly negative effects. What’s important for us as dads is that we understand the benefits and dangers.I am joined by Scott Novis, creator of GameTruck. With over 30 years in the gaming industry, Scott reveals some things about the gaming industry that we must be aware. We talk about:* What games are designed to accomplish* The impact th...2025-07-1449 minFathering Our FutureLearning How to Love Your Kids the Way Your ShouldLoving your children seems like a universally understood idea but there is a correct way to love them. How do we do that? We observe and experience love and then we replicate it.1 John 4:19 tells us that “We love because He first loved us.” This verse not only explains why we are to love but how we are able to love. I want to focus on the how and ask you one question that will determine if you are loving your kids the way you need to.—2025-07-0725 minFathering Our FutureProtect Your Time, Prosper Your FamilyWe live in a busy culture. There is the hustle to obtain financial security. There are all of the long distance trip to make family gatherings. There are all of the practices, games, concerts, performances, and extracurricular activities that our kids are involved in. Add on to that all of the personal efforts to stay physically healthy and mentally sharp. And don’t forget about your marriage. It’s no wonder why time is one of the greatest struggles dads contend with.If this sounds like you, you probably feel like your home is hemo...2025-06-3039 minFathering Our FutureMaking An Impact In Your Home with Warren MainardWe all want to make an impact on our children. We want to be influential in their lives. We want to leave a legacy behind that continues to benefit and serve them for the years to come. But how?I am joined to day by Warren Mainard, the National Director of IMPACT Players. Warren shares his knowledge and experience on various areas of fatherhood and how we can become men of impact in our homes. We discuss:Teaching adult childrenEmpty nestingCommunityMain factors for growth in men...2025-06-231h 07
Fathering Our FutureRemember You Are Their Dad Not Their GodIt can be very easy to get carried away with our authority as dads. We can lose our identity as a dad and start to act like we are the one who sits on the throne with ultimate dominion.
We must always remember that we are not God and we need to be careful to not father our children like we are. To assist you in maintaining your proper identity as a dad I want to discuss:
How we should understand our place and authority
Why it’s important to allow our kids...2025-06-1628 min
Fathering Our FutureMy Best Piece of Advice for DadsAs dads we have no better example than our Father in heaven. He is the one we are to learn from and emulate. However, if we really look at our Father, we might be surprised by what we find.
For this Father’s Day, I want to help you see our Father and His most outstanding quality. God is many things but there is one thing that rises to the top, and that is the one thing we should focus on.
I always ask people what their best piece of advice for...2025-06-0926 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Undeniable Influence Dads Have on Their Daughters with Dr. Meg MeekerAs dads it is easy to see the significant role we play in the development of our sons. But what if our role was just as significant in the development of our daughters?
I am joined by Dr. Meg Meeker, to learn about the undeniable influence dads have on the development of their daughters. Our daughters gain a lot from their moms, but there is a void only filled by fathers. You’ll learn:
• Why you are so important to your daughter
• When you become important to your daughter
• The best things y...2025-06-0349 min
Fathering Our FutureHow Dads Should Navigate A Faith Crisis with Pastor Steve SchobertWhen I talk to Christian dads, there is a constant that tends to come up. These men grew up living the faith they were told to live without truly understanding it. Then upon becoming dads and receiving the calling of discipling their children, they realize they do not know what to teach their kids. As they begin to better understand their faith, they realize what they have believed and lived does not have a lot of biblical support. Then comes the faith crisis.
If this is you, do not worry. This is normal and actually a...2025-05-261h 30
Fathering Our FutureHow Dads Can Positively Impact Their Kids’ Mental Health with Joe WalkerOur children are growing up in a time where the stability of their mental health is being attacked constantly. The attacks are not always blatant but they are there.
I am happy to have Joe Walker on the podcast again to talk about the challenges our kids are presented with in regard to their mental health. You’ll learn:
Some of the main contributors to poor mental health
Practical strategies to implement in your home that will help your children
What you can do as a dad to better your own mental heal...2025-05-191h 06
Fathering Our FutureEffectively Parenting a Child with ADHD with Ryan WexelblattADHD is one of those things we hear about but often know little about. We immediately think of hyper kids and unruly behavior, but we are not even scratching the surface.
I am happy to share my conversation with Ryan Wexelblatt, founder of ADHD Dude. Ryan takes an evidence based approach to ADHD, dismantling common myths, and teaching practical strategies that best serve families. You’ll learn:
What ADHD really is
What we often get wrong about ADHD
Best practices to implement if you have a child with ADHD
How to set a child wit...2025-05-1246 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Joy from Raising a Child with CDLS with Greg PetersCDLS (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome) is not something you hear about all the time. Unless you are like my friend, Greg, and have a daughter who has CDLS.
May 10, is CDLS awareness day and I am happy to have Greg Peters join me again to talk about his experiences while raising his daughter, Remy. In our last conversation, we spoke mostly of the challenges and the uncertainties, but today we focus on the positives. Greg shares how Remy was an answer to prayer and continues to be a source of joy in his life.
2025-05-0547 min
Fathering Our FutureWhere to Find Happiness for You and Your ChildrenPeople are searching for happiness, especially in the United States. The 2025 World Happiness Report shows that the U.S. continues to fall on the list of happiest places. If you, like myself, live in the U.S. and struggle to find happiness, you’re in luck.
The 2025 World Happiness Report mentioned something that has been a practice of our Heavenly Father for quite some time — the importance of sitting down at a table and having a meal with someone. I want to tell you how God has gone about this and what actually happens at the t...2025-04-2829 min
Fathering Our FutureTeaching Our Kids About Money with Taylor KovarSimilar to talking to our kids about sex, we often struggle with talking to our kids about money. This may require us to be vulnerable, which is not something we enjoy doing as men. This may require us to learn, which is a challenge seeing we like to show off all of the t-shirts we have accumulated from our experiences. This also requires us to make adjustments for our kids, even if we think we have things figured out.
Today, I am joined by Taylor Kovar, CEO & Founder of 11 Financial, to gain wisdom on how w...2025-04-2159 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Importance of Ongoing Talks About Sex And Sexuality with Your Kids with Adam & Karissa KingThat dreadful day dads anxiously await — the day we have “the talk.” I know it scares you, especially if you still twitch thinking about the talk you got, or like me, you never received “the talk” and you have nothing to go on. What if I told you it was not as scary as you think it is? What if the only reason it scares you and because you choose to allow it to?
I am joined today by my friends, Adam and Karissa King, founders and hosts of Dear Young Married Couple, and they are address...2025-04-1459 min
Fathering Our FutureFrom Addiction and Affairs to Hope and Joy with Tom LymanIt almost feels cliche today when someone tells you, “There’s always hope.” Ironically, this line typically follows your explanation about how hopeless your current situation is. Sometimes it comes across as a cheap way out of a conversation. Whether you’ve thought of it as cliche or cheap, the truth remains, “There’s always hope.”
I’m joined today by Tom Lyman. Tom was addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography, and cheated on his wife. Today, Tom is free from all addictions, happily married, and committed to helping others heal by being a beacon of joy and hope....2025-04-071h 33
Fathering Our FutureFinding the Joy and Blessings of Fathering a Child with Autism with Randy HainEvery dad has expectations when a baby is on the way. Those expectations include elements of athleticism, attractiveness, brilliance, and greatness. This image dads hold in their imagination of their coming child is normal but it is not always true.
Randy Hain, author, and Founder and President of Serviam Partners, joins me to talk about fathering a child with special needs, specifically autism. Randy’s perspective on this will challenge and uplift you.
Randy shares his thoughts on dealing with blaming yourself for your child’s condition, managing anger, the importance of com...2025-03-3159 min
Fathering Our FutureWhat To Know When Talking To Your Kids About Sex with Dr. John DelonyIt is the unspoken greatest fear of dads — talking to their kids about sex. This responsibility has been reduced down to a one and done conversation that happens in a handful of minutes, famously dubbed “the talk.” But this is a huge mistake.
I am excited to share my conversation on this topic with Dr. John Delony where we get down to what matters when talking to our kids about sex. John shares his wisdom and personal experiences to help us understand what to do and what not to do when talking “the talk.”
2025-03-241h 10
Fathering Our FutureYour Presence As A Dad Is Great But It Is Not EnoughIt is encouraging as a dad to read statistics about our impact on our children just by being in the home. Our kids are more likely to have success across the spectrum of life just because we are there. However, it is important we do not allow that to get to our heads because our presence alone is not enough.
Our presence matters but our children need more from us. Our standard should not be whatever it takes to get by. As dads, we should desire to achieve the best we can for our children. I...2025-03-1726 min
Fathering Our FutureFrom Drunk Dad To Driven Dad with Kevin GoodnightBeing a dad is one of the greatest privileges that men receive in this life. However, too many overlook this because they have their focus elsewhere.
Maybe you are like so many other dads who find themselves climbing the corporate ladder, working way more hours than they should, and drinking enough alcohol to be able to handle it. You would be a lot like my guest, Kevin Goodnight.
Kevin joins me today to share his story. He opens up about his struggles with alcohol, the strain work placed on his family, an...2025-03-1053 min
Fathering Our FutureHow To Address Pornography With Your Kids with Hadley BakerAs Christian dads we have the mission of raising disciples. We often pinpoint that down to making sure our kids know about Jesus but there is a lot more to it than that.
We continue our series about talking to our kids about sex and this week we are addressing pornography. It’s sad, but the likelihood of our kids being exposed to pornography is incredibly high, with the current average age of exposure being 8. How do we handle this? Should we talk about it?
I’m joined by my friend, Hadley...2025-03-031h 22
Fathering Our FutureTwo Fun Card Games That Will Strengthen Your Relationship With Your KidsWhen it comes to building relationships with your kids, things do not have to be boring. Yes, there are conversation that need to happen and mundane activities that get prioritized, but you can further your connection while having fun too.
Today, I simply want to offer two recommendations to you that I believe will bring you closer with your kids. I will give you a look into each resource, give you what you can expect, and share my personal stories around each of these.
Cards Against Humanity (Family Edition) - https://am...2025-02-2419 min
Fathering Our FutureHow Putting Your Family First Gives You A More Successful CareerMany dads constantly wrestle with the balancing of family and career. We know we have to make money but we also have to be around the ones we are making money for. There is a tension and a stretching we are much to familiar with.
This week is not about solutions but about encouragement to keep your family first and a reason why you should. When we prioritize our families, we are qualifying ourselves for greater success and responsibility in the workforce.
Remember, when we prioritize our careers over our families, ou...2025-02-1726 min
Fathering Our FutureWhat Dads Most Misunderstand About LoveLove. Everyone wants it but so many do not actually understand it. Too often love gets replaced with lust and infatuation, or it becomes a spoken feeling to cover our selfishness. Love is something we feel and it is something that we consciously believe in our mind, but love also has a look.
I want to speak to the side of love that we can so easily neglect – the actions. It is one thing for us to believe we love and to say we love, but love is visible and should be seen by others.
...2025-02-1038 min
Fathering Our FutureTalking to Your Kids about Sex Without Shame with Dr. Danny HuertaOne of the most uncomfortable things for dads is having ‘the talk’ with their sons. Dads often struggle with what to say, how to say it, and secretly hope they can get by without saying anything. Fortunately, the topic of sex does not have to be uncomfortable.
I’m joined today by Dr. Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family, to learn more about how we can successfully talk about sexuality with our kids. You’ll learn about the emphasis on character, the difference between a contributor and a consumer, overcoming shame, a...2025-02-041h 08
Fathering Our FutureWhat it Takes to Develop Excellence as a Dad with Pastor Wayne FrancisNo man has a desire to be lousy at something they are doing. All of us desire to be excellent. As Christian men, we should especially strive to be excellent because we are instructed to do what we do as if we are doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). The problem we often run into, is not knowing what it actually takes to be excellent.
I am joined by Pastor Wayne Francis, to talk about the topic of pursuing excellence in our lives and what is required to accomplish that. You’ll learn strategies to mai...2025-01-2747 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Content of Your Character - Being a Dad Your Kids Want to Love and RespectThe late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in his famous speech stated, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” His attention was not on the surface level but on what was within.
This desire of Dr. King, is similar to the desire we should have of ourselves as dads. We should not be ok parading around, reminding our children that we are their dads, and that alone deman...2025-01-2029 min
Fathering Our FutureRaising a Child with Down’s Syndrome with Aaron RocamontesAccording to the CDC, about 5,700 children are born with Down’s Syndrome in the United States each year. This presents a huge learning curve and adjustment of expectations for parents. However, there is a path forward.
I am join today by Aaron Rocamontes, whose oldest son (10) has Down’s Syndrome. Aaron has dealt with the fears and questions and arrived at some beautiful revelations regarding raising his son. He shares his routine, habits, mindset, and language spoken in his home not simply to manage his child with Down’s Syndrome, but to train him up in the...2025-01-0652 min
Fathering Our FutureWhat Dads Need Instead of Good IntentionsGood intentions often fail our kids and sometimes act as an excuse we hide behind. Good intentions are like something that looks great on paper but fails miserably when applied to reality.
The responsibility and calling on us as dads is too great to approach it with only good intentions. If we mean well but are ignorant and unintentional, we will let our children down. We cannot allow that to happen.
I am calling out our attempts to father exclusively with good intentions and providing a remedy that will bring us su...2024-12-3037 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Most Important Lesson Every Dad Should Learn From ChristmasChristmas may truly be the most wonderful time of the year. For us as Christians, it is a time where we heavily reflect upon the birth of our savior, Jesus. We focus on giving, joy, and love which was modeled to us by Christ, but there is something about Christmas that is most important for us to grasp as dads.
In Matthew 1:23, we read that a virgin will conceive, birth a son, and his name will be called Emmanuel, which means God with us. As we reflect upon the birth of Christ, we should be captivated by...2024-12-2322 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Best Gift for Every ChildYou have probably spent way too much money this Christmas on presents for your kids but there is a gift they desire most that money cannot buy — you.
Every kid adores their dad and longs for time and experiences with them. They’ll love their toys and games but dads have a way of making everything more enjoyable.
Let this episode serve as a motivation and reminder for you that the greatest thing you can do for your kids this Christmas season, and beyond, is to be involved in their lives. You ar...2024-12-1619 min
Fathering Our Future3 Tips for Dealing with Christmas ChaosIt’s the holiday season and we all have at least one unwanted guest joining us — chaos.
No matter how much we hope to avoid it, chaos is one of those inevitable things that always presents itself. The harder we try to avoid it, the more we come face to face with it.
While we can’t eliminate chaos, we can learn to deal with it properly. I’ve got three tips that work tremendously well when handling chaos to share with you today to help your Christmas feel less dreary and more m...2024-12-0920 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Legacy of a Christian Dad with ASAP PreachAll of us, as dads, have brokenness in our past that causes us to choose how we will live in the present. That ongoing decision and effort ultimately become the legacy we leave behind.
I sat down with Ian Barnett, better known as ASAP Preach, to talk about fatherhood. He opens up about his past, involving molestation and drugs, his efforts in the present, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind for his children.
P.S. – His answer to what he hopes his children see through his life is the answ...2024-12-021h 04
Fathering Our FutureThe Simple Advice Dads Need To Keep GoingFatherhood is no easy journey and it does not get easier when you decide to be intentional and engaged. Being a dad continues to grow complicated as things change and you start new practices. All of the changes and newness can easily make you want to quit.
Today, I want to encourage you to not despise your small beginnings. The start is almost always the most challenging but fatherhood is a challenge worth sticking with.
Whether you are a new dad, new to being intentional, or starting a new practice around something such as discipline...2024-11-2525 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Biggest Mistake Dads Make With Their WivesAs dads, we make a lot of mistakes. When we think about these moments, we probably all do the same things and that is we only see the mistakes that involve our kids.
There is a huge mistake that is so easy for us to make as dads but this mistake happens with our wives. In this episode we will focus on marriage, what it should look like, what God calls good, and one mistake that we need to stop making with our wives.
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Get your copy of the new devotional for dads, Fo...2024-11-1826 min
Fathering Our FutureAll Dads Need Help - Here’s How To Get It | Interview with Dr. Chad FlowersThere is a lie we tell ourselves as men. We convince ourselves that we do not need help. We believe we can rub some dirt on it and it will feel better when it stops hurting. The truth is all of us need help and a lot more than we probably realize.
I’m joined by my friend Dr. Chad Flowers, a pastor and licensed counselor, to discuss our need for help. We dive into why we need it and explore multiple ways we can go about getting the help we need. Chad also provides gui...2024-11-111h 02
Fathering Our FutureWhat True Biblical Integrity Looks Like for Christian DadsWhen you think about integrity you probably think about doing what is good, what is right, and doing those things with excellence. This is an understood, culturally accepted, idea of integrity. It is also a vital part of integrity, but it is not all there is to the term.
Integrity is an element that makes us worth being in a relationship with. This is more than something we want as dads, it is something we need. In this episode, we explore the biblical usage of integrity, what it means, and how that impacts our personal i...2024-11-0424 min
Fathering Our FutureThree Mistakes Dads Make When it Comes to TalkingWhen we read through wisdom literature in the Bible one thing becomes clear, we do not want to be fools. The fool does not have a great ending and there are a plethora of negative sentiments made about the fool. However, Proverbs 29:20, tells us that the person who speaks quickly, without thinking, has less hope than a fool.
How we speak matters. As dads it is easy to speak quickly to our children to serve ourselves and convenience. This is usually done by forming assumptions, trying to display our superiority, and forecasting. In this episode, w...2024-10-2831 min
Fathering Our FutureHow to be a Dad Who Does Not Quit | Interview with Kent EvansOne of the most common pieces of advice given from super successful individuals is bet on yourself. We have to believe that what we are doing is meaningful and that we have a purpose that is worth pursuing even through failures. But there is a reason the super successful individuals are a minority, most people give up on themselves.
I am joined today by my friend and executive director of Manhood Journey, Kent Evans, who recognized this issue and wrote a book to combat it. The book is titled, Don’t Bench Yourself, and it is...2024-10-211h 09
Fathering Our FutureWhy Good Dads RunWhile running and exercise are great choices for us, that is not what today’s episode is about.
In Luke 15, Jesus paints a picture of his identity by telling us a story of a dad with two sons. Most of the time we get focused on the prodigal, but our focus should be on the dad.
The dad in this story has a son that acted selfishly and foolishly, and another who stayed quiet and stuck around. However, in the time both of these sons had issues and struggles, the father went...2024-10-1433 min
Fathering Our FutureA Proactive Approach to Preventing Sexual Abuse with Vanessa MorrisChildren are gifts from God but unfortunately we live in a world where predators wait in the shadows. While most of us think it could never happen to our children, there are things we simply do not know.
The sad reality is that one in five boys and one in three girls are victims of sexual abuse, and the abuse typically begins between the ages of 3 and 5. As dads devoted to serving our children and being what they need, we must take the steps necessary to protect them from sexual abuse.
I...2024-10-0736 min
Fathering Our FutureGood Dads Ask for Help“Can you help me,” may be the most unspoken phrase by men, but it shouldn’t be. If we want to thrive as fathers and be the dads our children need us to be, we need to ask for help. In order to do this, we need people in our lives that we can ask for help.
This week’s episode is committed to showing you that good dads ask for help and surround themselves with community. We were designed by God to live within relationships, not isolation.
With the help of the Bib...2024-09-3037 min
Fathering Our FutureThere’s Nothing Like Being a DadAs men we universally desire four things: power, money, wisdom, and sex. It’s very easy for us to crave and pursue these desires too much, getting lost in a childish demand for more, more, more.
While power, money, wisdom, and sex are all great things; what do you think you would find if you obtained as much as you desired in each of these areas? Someone has done and what they discovered might surprise you.
In this episode we will explore where we find meaning and fulfillment as fathers. My goal...2024-09-2335 min
Fathering Our FutureTalking to Your Kids About God | The How, When, and WhyAs Christian dads, the greatest influence in our lives should be God and the Bible. Every aspect of our lives, from work to family, should be influenced by scripture. This is important for us, but it is also going to be important for our children.
One day our children will grow up and venture off on their own. Will they be rooted enough in God’s word to navigate life and withstand the challenges? We are instructed to bring our children up in the training and the instruction of the Lord. We are also instructed to...2024-09-1633 min
Fathering Our FutureGrowing as a Dad by Growing in the Word with Derrick WeeksI’m happy to have my good friend, Derrick Weeks with me on the podcast to
Resources discussed in this episode:
https://bibleproject.com
The Old Testament For Everyone
https://amzn.to/4g0J4EV
The New Testament For Everyone
https://amzn.to/4cQwkxR
The Kingdom New Testament
https://amzn.to/4cSf1wa
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Get your copy of the new devotional for dads, Following Our Father:
http...2024-09-091h 02
Fathering Our FutureThe Power of a Father’s LoveGod’s love for us is great! It is so extravagant that it is transformational for us. When we look at our lives and struggle to see meaning, we can still carry on because God loves us. While we may struggle to see what is so lovable, we know something about us must be because God is infatuated with us.
As dads, our love has the same impact on our children. It can be transformational and motivational for our children and be a force that propels them forward. We have to be mindful of that and...2024-09-0229 min
Fathering Our FutureMini Macro Moments | The Big Impact of Little ThingsWe live in an extravagant culture in America. We often think the bigger, the better. In Texas, we even boast that everything is bigger, implying that it is also better.
While sometimes this is true, it is so easy for us, as dads, to believe this all the time. We work and aspire for the things that are great. We aim to plan huge trips and vacations. We focus on getting the biggest gifts we can find and spending tons of money on things that others deem valuable. We often forget how impactful the little t...2024-08-2629 min
Fathering Our FutureBeing A Value Driven DadOne of the worst things we can do as dads is roam through life aimlessly. If we are going to find fulfillment, we must have values in our lives that drive us forward to goals and meaningful achievements.
Values guide us and determine how we respond to situations. Like Jesus, starving in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, we must stay true to what matters.
In this episode, you will learn what your top three values must be as a Christian dad and what that means for you. You’ll also learn how you go...2024-08-1931 min
Fathering Our FutureBe A Blessing | A Dad's FocusThis week we focus in on Genesis 12:1-3. As you read through the passage, something should stand out. God says He will do a number of things for Abram, but He tells Abram there is only one thing he is to do.
This one thing that Abram was to focus on is something that we, as Christian dads, should be focused on as well; being a blessing. I hope to reorient your daily focus from fixating on ways to bless yourself to focusing on being a blessing to your family. I’ll spend time on what being a...2024-08-1212 min
Fathering Our FutureWhat Kids Want Most From Their DadWe like to keep the main thing, the main thing. We all want to focus on what is most important. How would you feel if you knew what your children actually wanted more than anything else? Would it change the way you go about life and what you aim to do?
Your kids want the exact same thing as my kids; time with their dad. More than our money or personal success, they just want us. I’ll provide my reflections on a father who struggled to have a relationship with his children even though he had fa...2024-08-0517 min
Fathering Our FutureGratitude's GiftFinding yourself consumed by stress and anxiety? Do you feel like you cannot escape all of the chaos and insanity in your life? I’ve got good news, you can and a lot easier than you think.
In this episode, I discuss a researched and biblical remedy to anxiety and consuming negativity; gratitude. A simple change in your mindset and what you think about has the ability to transform your outlook, mood, and life. This is the gift of gratitude.
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JOIN THE WAITLIST!
My new devotional, Following Our Father, is coming out...2024-07-2918 min
Fathering Our FutureLife Before BalanceAs a dad, one of your greatest concerns and pursuits is time with your family. Like everyone else you turn your attention to what is known as work-life balance. What if I told you that was not the right place to start? What if immediately pursuing work-life balance is putting the cart ahead of the horse?
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and I have come to realize the idea of work-life balance is misguiding. What we want is freedom and time with our family. We analyze our lives, which often feel overly ch...2024-07-2219 min
Fathering Our FutureLessons from Moving to a New HomeChange is one of those things we can talk about but typically hate to experience. We are creatures of habit and we enjoy the comfort that comes with the familiar and consistent. Well, my family and I made a big change and moved to a new house. The move was something I was against for a while and my oldest was not too thrilled about it either.
Through the process of moving, three things stood out to me that I feel are important for dads to know. One specifically deals with making a move that impacts your...2024-07-1520 min
Fathering Our FutureDon't Be The Dad You Wish You HadA very common piece of advice that I see given to dads is, “Be the dad you wish you had.” Depending on who hears this, this suggestion may resinate, but it is not right.
As dads, our devotion is to our children and we should be focused on their needs. If our focus is on the pain of our past and what we wish we would have had, we can very easily miss what is right in front of us.
This week’s episode is dedicated to bringing a corrective to this advice and illuminating what o...2024-07-0819 min
Fathering Our FutureBenefits of Talking with Your KidsOur mission as Christian dads is to equip and disciple our children to be a part of God’s mission in a greater capacity than ourselves. In order to achieve this, we must have influence with our kids. We can only have influence if we have a relationship with them, but there will be no relationship without communication.
As we focus on communication with our children, there are additional benefits that come with this. I want you to place an emphasis on communication as a dad, so I want to make sure you are aware of the be...2024-07-0125 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Greatest Lesson We Learn From Our Young ChildrenAs dads, we do a lot of teaching. We guide our kids through multiple areas of life, providing experience and wisdom every day. While we are the prominent teacher as the dad, there is something our children teach us and we need to pay attention to it.
In Mark 10, we read where Jesus expresses the importance and value of being like little children. When it comes to faith, prayer, and how we approach God, our children model what we should be doing.
I want to encourage you to learn from your children when it comes...2024-06-2419 min
Fathering Our FutureGetting Your Kids to Obey YouImagine how convenient it would be if every time you asked your kid to do something they obeyed. You never had to worry about uproars in restaurants or meltdowns anywhere else in public. Your kids just obeyed you all the time.
Don’t let your imagination run too rampant because there is no fail-proof way to guarantee that. However, we do have biblical guidance on how we can increase the likelihood of our children obeying us.
In Ephesians 6, Paul addresses children obeying and honoring their parents and in conjunction to that, speaks instruction to fathers to...2024-06-1728 min
Fathering Our FutureWhat is a Dad?What is a dad? While it may seem like a basic and fundamental question, there isn’t always a clear cut answer.
Some may allude to a dad being an ultimate authority and others compare dads to coaches. Some define a dad simply by the tasks he performs or should perform.
I don’t see how any of those definitions could be right. When I consider the Bible and God, who is our Father, I see a much different portrayal of what a dad is.
In this week’s episode, I layout my unders...2024-06-1025 min
Fathering Our FutureYour Motivation is Wrong (Maybe)Luke 15 may be the most moving and inspirational passage of the Bible for men on the topic of fatherhood but it can also be one of the most confusing.
We read of a father who gives his younger son his inheritance early. I’m not sure I know a dad alive today who would be willing to do that. So why did this father?
I want to talk to you about your motivations as a dad. I’m sure there are things you do as a dad that you’ve probably never considered why you do the...2024-06-0321 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Christopher Lind | Mastering Chaos: Tips for Christian DadsManaging kids can feel like wrangling chaos, especially when you're a Christian dad trying to raise your kids with strong values and faith. In this episode, I chat with Christopher Lind, host of Future Focused and dad of seven (yes, seven).
Christopher shares his personal journey, from handling financial struggles to redefining what success looks like in a large family. We also talk about how dads can adjust expectations, manage family chaos, prioritize what's truly important, simplify life to reduce stress, and the importance of open communication with your spouse.
Whether you have one child...2024-05-271h 16
Fathering Our FutureProcessing Past Pain | What Christian Dads Need to Learn From JacobI want to discuss something that affects each and every one of us: our past. All of those experiences we often try to sweep under the rug that end up shaping us more than we realize.
We are looking at the story of Joseph but focusing on another character, his dad, Jacob. Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, born from his own unresolved issues, led to a whole mess of trouble for Joseph and his brothers.This biblical story is one that sadly continues to repeat itself but we often overlook it.
Facing our past isn't exactly...2024-05-2014 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Secret To Being HappyDo you want to be happy? According to an expert at Yale there is something that happy people have in common. It is also something that the Bible makes very clear to us: community.
And it's not just about having acquaintances; it's about forging real connections, having people to share life's ups and downs with.
As Christian dads, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle of life, to isolate ourselves in the middle of our responsibilities. But we weren't meant to go it alone. From Adam in the garden to Elijah in the...2024-05-1323 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Greatest Mother’s Day Gift | A Time Commitment to Your WifeAs we approach Mother’s Day we may find ourselves rattling our brains to find the perfect gift for our wives. While it is important for us to get something material, the greatest thing we can give is immaterial; our time.
In this episode, I focus on a crucial aspect of our roles as Christian fathers: prioritizing our wives.
From Ephesians 5, we learn that husbands are called to emulate Christ's sacrificial love for His bride. It's about more than just being present—it's about giving our entire selves to our wives, which requires our time. By m...2024-05-0623 min
Fathering Our FutureTalking To Your Kid: The What, When, & WhyHave you ever questioned what to say to your kid or what to actually talk about with them? Have you struggled with getting your kid to talk to you? If talking with your kid ever feels awkward, let me try and help you.
This week I dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of fatherhood: talking to your kids. From communication to relationship building and discipleship, I'm here to emphasize the importance of those open and regularly occurring chats.
Think about it: communication isn't just about exchanging words; it's about building trust and...2024-04-2927 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Pastor Hadley Baker | Freedom From PornographyIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Pastor Hadley Baker, author of "No Longer A Slave." For over two decades, Hadley wrestled with the chains of addiction to pornography, a struggle that often remains hidden in the shadows, especially within Christian circles.
With unwavering honesty and vulnerability, Hadley opens up about his journey from darkness to freedom, sharing the raw details of his battle with pornography and the devastating impact it had on his life, relationships, and ministry.
But this story is not one of despair; it's a testament to the transformative power of...2024-04-221h 11
Fathering Our FutureThe Secret to Managing ChaosThis week’s episode is all about diving headfirst into the chaotic world of parenting and emerging with a newfound sense of peace and purpose. As a Christian dad myself, I know firsthand the challenges that come with managing chaos while striving to be the dad my children need me to be.
I delve into the root causes of chaos in our lives, from the clash between expectations and reality to the complications that come with time. We'll explore practical strategies for preventing chaos, including adjusting our expectations and embracing controlled chaos with our kids at home....2024-04-1531 min
Fathering Our Future10 Transformative Marriage Tips: Lessons Learned After A DecadeToday's episode is packed with insights gained over ten years of marital bliss – and the occasional challenge. I've penned ten invaluable nuggets of wisdom that have truly transformed my own journey alongside my wife. From understanding the power of support before solutions to the importance of unwavering consistency in our actions, each tip is a testament to the sacred bond we share with our wives.
But, it's not solely about the advice – it's about embracing the profound essence of marriage. I emphasize the idea of unity with our wives, the beautiful journey of growth and development we emba...2024-04-0842 min
Fathering Our FutureWhy Games Are Essential for Dads and KidsAs fathers, we strive to make lasting memories with our children while imparting valuable life lessons along the way. In our journey as Christian dads, it's crucial to find activities that foster bonding, fun, and tradition. That's where the magic of playing games with our kids comes in.
I want to discuss three reasons why incorporating games into our parenting arsenal is not only enjoyable but also deeply impactful. Drawing from personal experience, I'll delve into how something as simple as a game of Mancala can serve as a powerful tool for strengthening the father-child bond, instilling...2024-04-0131 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Right Time To Forgive Your KidsWhen should we forgive our children? No one enjoys being wronged, and no one easily forgets the injustices committed against them. We tend to hold on to those acts, especially when they are committed by the ones closest to us, and even more so when they come from our children.
Should we wait until we feel they understand our pain? Should we hold off because we think we need to teach them a lesson? At what point do we forgive our kids?
The Bible provides us with insight into how we should go about forgiveness...2024-03-2522 min
Fathering Our FutureThe Right Way To Do FatherhoodWould it shock you to know that an accurate reading of Revelation 3 and the moral of KungFu Panda could help you understand the right way for you to do fatherhood? It sounds crazy, but it is true.
So many of us fall into this category of people who just want to know what to do. We do not have a desire to guess or to make mistakes. We want someone to tell us exactly the best way to go about whatever we want to do and then we just want to do that.
Fortunately, there...2024-03-1818 min
Fathering Our FutureShould We Give Our Kids More Independence?Some people like to keep a tight leash on there kids, metaphorically and sometimes literally, but is that the right way to go about parenting? Should we be so protective that we chart out every step our children will take, ultimately controlling what they do? Of course the motivation for this is good intention, but does that make control, sheltering, and being over-protective acceptable?
A friend of mine sent me a podcast episode about children having more independence and asked for my thoughts. While the information shared in the episode was interesting, I approach this from a...2024-03-1141 min
Fathering Our FutureThree Demands of LoveIn our world today, love may be one of the most abused terms. It is taken to justify things it would never stand for. It is used as reasons for things it would never partake in. Love is misunderstood and misused.
After a month of interviews focusing on love, I wanted to recap some requirements, or demands, of love so that we understand what love is and what love is not. If what we call love fails to have the required components, then what we call love is not love at all.
...2024-03-0429 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with John Hargrove | Loving Your KidsOur kids mean the world to us, and we love them with all of our heart, but as they grow, sometimes we have to modify the way we express our love to them.
I’m joined today by Pastor Johnny Hargrove to discuss ways that we can love our children so that we can have a lasting relationship with them. Johnny shares things he did and continues to do in order to nurture his relationship with his children. He also shares key qualities dads need to have in order to best love their children.
...2024-02-2652 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Adam & Karissa King | What Does It Mean To Love Your Wife?Our marriage is the greatest example we have for our kids. We model so much that they need simply by loving our wife. However, sometimes we struggle with what that really means.
I am joined by Adam and Karissa King, founders of Dear Young Married Couple, to learn more about what it means for a husband to love his wife.
We discuss Ephesians 5:25 and what it means, as well as practical tips for husbands.
Make sure you check out these marriage cards to spark meaningful conversation with your wife.
Foundations: https...2024-02-1944 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with D.G. Hargrove | How Do We Love Ourselves?If you are anything like the rest of us, you have looked at yourself in the mirror and struggled to accept who you are. You know it’s important to love yourself but sometimes you’re just not sure how.
I am delighted to be joined by Bishop D.G. Hargrove. As a pastor and counselor, D.G. provides a systematic approach to loving ourselves, as well as giving us clarity on what it actually means for us to love ourselves.
For more content make sure to check out https://fatheringourfuture.com/ a...2024-02-1234 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Steve Schobert | What It Means To Love GodLove is something we do not question because we assume we know what it means. Sadly, this assumption leads to love being abused and misused regularly.
As we start the month of February, I want to make sure we understand love. To start it off, we are going to focus on what it means to love God, because if we do not have that right, we will not be able to properly love ourselves and others.
As believers, it is very easy for us to state we love God and never di...2024-02-0552 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Dr. Eugene Wilson | The Power of AffirmationAs Christian dads, we cannot just focus on communicating with our kids, we have to focus and pay attention to how we speak to our kids. The truth is, our children need to hear our words. Our children need affirmation from us.
Joining me to talk about affirmation and its impact, is Dr. Eugene Wilson. Eugene is an expert in leadership shares how we, as leaders in our home, can use our voice to build up our children.
You'll learn how to speak words of affirmation to your children and when to do it. You'll...2024-01-2951 min
Fathering Our FutureGood, Faithful, Servants | 3 Pursuits of DadsIn Matthew 25, we read about servants who stewarded what was given to them with diligence and wisdom. They were later described as good and faithful servants. As dads, we have been entrusted with priceless gifts and I believe we should also strive to be good, faithful, and servants.
Being good can be subjective but I’ll give you a definition and question to constantly ask yourself to make sure what you are doing is good.
Faithfulness is usually tied to religion and marriage but there is also an application in reference to fatherhood that we mu...2024-01-2219 min
Fathering Our FutureA Dream for Dads and Vision for Fathering Our FutureReflecting on the iconic speech of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I was inspired to craft my own version for dads. I have a dream for Christian dads because I believe we have a divine calling with this identity we are blessed to bear.
I believe dads make a difference. The stronger we are, the more committed we are, the more knowledgeable we are, and the more connected we are, the greater the difference we make. We cannot allow small setbacks to drive us off course, we must be devoted to the call, and I b...2024-01-1533 min
Fathering Our FutureFrom Disciplining to Discipling | 6 Tips To Change The Way You DisciplineThe topic of discipline is one parents are uneasy about. Just think about how many times you’ve seen a parent pull their kid close or off to the side and whisper in their ear and immediately the demeanor of the child changed. You know they whispered something along the lines of, “when we get home (fill in the blank).” And you know that because you have probably done something similar. Usually one of the reasons parents do this is to avoid criticism for how they choose to discipline.
Now the underlying reason for this is we do not...2024-01-0833 min
Fathering Our FutureAre You Who You Say You Are?As we start the New Year, we set resolutions for ourselves to improve ourselves. However, before we pursue growth or attempt to build ourselves into better men, husbands, and fathers, it is crucial that we actually know who we are.
I want to share a test with you so you can check yourself and see if you are truly the man you claim to be. Without an understanding of your identity, all resolutions for growth and improvement will ultimately be in vain. Check yourself, know yourself, and then pursue your resolutions.
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For more co...2024-01-0124 min
Fathering Our FutureBecoming A StorytellerOur mission as dads is to make disciples of our children. When we look at Jesus, our example, we see that he constantly told stories to teach His followers. We need to do the same with our kids.
I may not be an expert but I have learned a thing or two through telling my kids stories. I have four tips I want to share with you to help you with becoming a great storyteller for your children. You are fully qualified to do this and I want to prove it to you.
We’re Go...2023-12-2526 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Randy Hain | Being Fully PresentWhen caught in the hustle of life, we miss all of the incredible things happening around us and right in front of us. We end days feeling tired, unfulfilled, and like our life is lacking in so many ways. The issue is not a lack in our lives. The issue is we are not present enough to catch all of the wonderful moments.
Randy Hain, executive coach, leadership consultant, and author of the book "Being Fully Present" joins me to talk about doing just that; being fully present. Randy shares several personal encounters and experiences that were...2023-12-1854 min
Fathering Our FutureYou Are Not In ControlThere is a high probability that you have heard someone say, "you are in control of your life," or "you control the outcome." They may mean well when they say those things, but those expressions are not true.
As Christian men, it is so important that we have correct understanding when it comes to the control of our lives. I want to help you see the biblical perspective on this topic and how you should live in light of it.
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For more content make sure to check out https://fatheringourfuture.com/ and if yo...2023-12-1128 min
Fathering Our FutureWhen Your Kid Calls You OutI’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone who enjoys being called out. That usually implies a mistake was made in secret and then exposed publicly. Most people generally don’t approve of this gesture, especially when it comes from one of their kids.
Should we tolerate that from our kids? While I’ve seen plenty of mouths popped for calling a parent out (and I’m not talking about disrespectful back talk), I think there is a much better way for us to respond to that.
My 6 year old son called me out the other...2023-12-0422 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Kent Evans | Equipping Dads for the MissionAs dads of faith, we are on a mission. It is not an easy mission and it requires a lot of work. Thankfully, there are tools that we can grab to help us succeed.
Kent Evans, co-founder of Manhood Journey, joins me today to talk about his book, “Bring Your Hammer - 28 tools you can grab from the book of Nehemiah.”
You’ll get an inside look at the book as we discuss topics like prayer, community, and the types of things we allow in our homes.
www.manhoodjourney.org
Bring Your H...2023-11-271h 03
Fathering Our FutureBeing Genuinely Thankful For Your KidsThere is a good chance you say “thank you” a lot. If you are honest with yourself, you probably say it a lot out of obligation or just to be polite to someone. Sadly, it is very easy for us to do this with our kids instead of expressing genuine gratitude.
I want to help you be genuinely thankful for your kids by giving you a formula on how to actually tell them you are thankful for them. If you will take the time to use this formula, you’ll find that you truly have a great apprec...2023-11-2026 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Ryan Shorthill | Fathering After DivorceWhile it is never the desired outcome, families get broken by divorce. Brokenness is a huge challenge but it is not the end.
I am joined by Ryan Shorthill, founder of Dads Organization. Ryan devotes himself to bringing dads together and to creating groups dads can join to talk about fatherhood. Ryan is divorced and on the journey of co-parenting, but this week he shares his experience and insight.
Ryan's insight benefits dads who are divorced but it also helps those who are still married to understand what divorced dads are dealing with. No matter w...2023-11-1359 min
Fathering Our FutureBest Advice for Dads? | Facebook AnswersThere are a lot of opinionated people of social media platforms. You can ask a question or seek help, and end up reading why you’re a horrible person. Luckily, those who follow Fathering Our Future are true gems.
I asked my Facebook community for their best advice for dads and received a number of great responses. I condensed the answers down to nine main tips and discuss them on this week’s episode.
If you don’t follow Fathering Our Future on Facebook or Instagram, do it today. https://www.facebook.com/FatheringOurFuture
http...2023-11-0625 min
Fathering Our FutureRejoice Every Day | 4 Reasons WhyLife is not perfect and we all have things we can complain or gripe about. While that remains true, our daily response should be to rejoice.
In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul repeatedly encourages the reader to rejoice. Paul wrote this instruction while rejoicing himself from prison.
I have four reasons why you should rejoice each and every day regardless of what you are going through. Life is not always easy but rejoicing through life certainly does not make it worse.
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For more content make sure to check...2023-10-3016 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Brian Mullins | Getting Our Kids in the WordOne of the most overlooked components of the Christian faith is scripture memorization. Biblically we are instructed to know, meditate on, talk about, and study the scriptures. As disciples raising other disciples, we should be engaging in the scriptures with our kids and helping them memorize the scriptures as well.
Brian Mullins, the executive director of the Nation Bible Bee, joins me to talk about the National Bible Bee, what it offers, and how it impacts young people. This is a great program and ministry your kids can be involved in and potentially won monetary prizes if...2023-10-2342 min
Fathering Our Future3 Lessons from the Prodigal’s DadIn Luke 15, Jesus told a story about a son who lost his way; the prodigal son. We commonly read this story and make the mistake of thinking it is about the lost son when in reality it’s mainly about his dad.
There are several things we can learn from this dad but I want you to focus on three things this week.
1. His willingness to let go and allow his son to leave.
2. His commitment to his son that he patiently and faithfully displayed.
3. His eagerness to swiftly give grace....2023-10-1621 min
Fathering Our FutureInterview with AJ Holloway | Living After Your Child DiesThe greatest fear a father, or mother, has is enduring the death of their child. It is a thought we keep far from us because it should never happen. Unfortunately, for some, it does happen.
I am joined this week by AJ Holloway, evangelist and cohost of Miqra Podcast. He and his wife lost their firstborn, at the age of 2, in a house fire. This event had the potential to rip his marriage apart and to emotionally ruin him, but he, by the help of God, is navigating this journey with his family.
AJ’s pe...2023-10-091h 16
Fathering Our FutureTalking Fatherhood | My Time on the 4 Fit Fatherhood PodcastIt is so critical that we, as fathers, sit down with other dads and just talk. The topic does not always have to be exclusively fatherhood, but when we do talk about dad life, we grow ourselves as dads.
I was blessed with the opportunity to connect with Rod Richard on his podcast 4 Fit Fatherhood. This week I want to share that conversation with you. We talk about faith, fatherhood, marriage, community, and so much more. Listen and be encouraged to start having conversations of your own.
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For more content make sure...2023-10-021h 02
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Mike Thompson | Tackling Mental HealthWe are men and we are tough. However, that does not make us impervious to mental struggles. We are humans, we are broken, and we all have problems.
Mike Thompson, online fitness coach and former police officer, joins me to talk about mental health struggles with men. Mike personally suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks. His life was crumbling from within and he knew he had to make a change. You'll hear how Mike came to recognize his issues, how he started on the path to address them, and how he manages himself on t...2023-09-251h 16
Fathering Our FutureCut The Crap | A Look At My New BookFatherhood is a huge topic of discussion and a journey of continual learning. It can feel a little intimidating. Because there is so much associated with fatherhood, I wrote a book to provide a good starting point for dads.
I won't beat around the bush or waste your time with endless details. In a world of parenting manuals that could rival War and Peace, filled with pages upon pages of hypotheticals, this is your succinct companion. I lay out six foundational components for you to begin paying attention to and focusing on now. Inspired by the Bible...2023-09-1830 min
Dear Young Married CoupleAre you a GOOD DAD? w/ Anthony Vandagriff, Founder of Fathering our FutureDear Young Married… DAD,Are you a ‘good’ dad? How do we even define what ‘good’ is? 👨👧👦Let’s tune in to this interview with Anthony Vandagriff, founder of Fathering our Future. He shares so many good nuggets about the relationships that are necessary to build in pursuit of fatherhood.♥️Our deadline for the Adventure & Intimacy Retreat West was yesterday, BUT we’re giving you one more day! 🎉 Now is the time to invest in your marriage! Click the link below to register you and your spouse today! It’s your LAST CHANCE! https://dear-youn...2023-05-1651 min
Docs2Dads - A Pediatrician’s Field Guide for Fathers75. A Cord of Three Strands ft. Anthony VandagriffA cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecc 4:12The importance of community is in every book of wisdom from the Bible and most major world religions!! This week, I’m joined by Anthony Vandagriff, from The Fathering Our Future podcast to discuss the importance of community for dads!! As Dads we sometimes fall into the trap that we need to “man up” and do everything ourselves. This approach is not just unwise, it’s outright foolishness!!Whatever struggle you may be having with your wife, children, or business, someone in your comm...2023-05-111h 00
Fathering Our FutureInterview with Lindsey Vandagriff | What Moms NeedMoms are awesome! They get their one special day but they deserve and need more. My wife, Lindsey Vandagriff, joins me to help us understand what moms need. We discuss four things that you can work on to tremendously help your spouse and strengthen your family. My wife is always right, so listen good.2022-05-0948 min
Fathering Our FuturePilotLearn about the purpose and mission of Fathering Our Future, and hear a little bit about the host, Anthony Vandagriff.2021-06-1825 min