DadAwesome

Latest Episodes:

306 | Revolutionizing Orphan Care, Modeling Sacrifice, and Running Close to Your Kids (Mike Gallagher) Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

Mike Gallagher

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

Key Quotes

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

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305 | What an Awesome Ride. What a Wild Opportunity. (Jeff Zaugg) Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

Jeff Zaugg

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

Key Quotes

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

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304 | Pursuing Visions, Journaling Daily, and Hearing God's Prophetic Voice (Ken Helser) Nov 16, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

Ken Helser

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

Key Quotes

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

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303 | Redefining Success, Abiding in Christ, and Becoming a Whole-Hearted Dad (Banning Liebscher) Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

Banning Liebscher

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

Key Quotes

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

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302 | Silencing Distractions, Seeing Your Children, and Being Set Apart as a Father (Carlos Whittaker) Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

Carlos Whittaker

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

Key Quotes

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

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301 | Front Yard Fatherhood: Honoring Brian Stites Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

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

Key takeaways

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

Brian Stites

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

Key Quotes

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

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300 | Celebration Episode: 30+ Voices, 90+ Takeaways Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways - please register to recieve the DAD NOTES: https://www.dadawesome.org/300 Featured Guests

From pastors and authors to CEOs and beyond, these 30+ male voices capture the challenges and blessings of fatherhood. They will inspire and encourage you to lead with wonder as a dad.

Links/Giveaways mentioned

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

299 | Escaping Sedation, Meeting Jesus in Your Pain, and Sharing Fresh Jesus Stories (John Eldredge) Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

John Eldredge

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

Key Quotes

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

Links from Today's Conversation

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

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298 | Dialing In, Leading with Love, and Being the Loudest Voice in Your Child's Ears (Dr. Jackson Drumgoole) Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

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

Dr. Jackson Drumgoole

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

Key Quotes

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

Links from Today's Conversation

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

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297 | Cultivating a Prayer Life, Sharing Joy Bombs, and Delighting in What Your Kids Delight In (Alex Burton) Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

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

Key Takeaways

God is always listening.
Be generous with joy bombs.
"What do you see in my life that I'm not seeing?"
Delight in what your children delight in.

Alex Burton

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

Key Quotes

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

Links from Today's Conversation

SAVE THE DATE: October 19, 2023 at 7pm CT - Episode 300 Live Event: 30 Voices, 90 Takeaways
The Beauty | Wild At Heart

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