DadAwesome

Latest Episodes:

DA406 | How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex, Building a Marriage That Thrives, and the Power of Proactive Fatherhood (Dave Willis) Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

🎯 As a dad, are you leading the conversation about sex with your kids—or letting the world do it for you?

✅ Why dads need to play the lead role in sex conversations (even with daughters!)

✅ How to make your marriage thrive with 7 simple shifts

✅ The power of resisting passivity and taking proactive action

✅ FREE resources that will strengthen your family today

SUMMARY:

Your kids are going to learn about sex from somewhere—will it be from you or from the world? In this episode, Dave Willis returns with game-changing resources for dads who want to lead intentional, shame-free conversations about sex with their kids. Plus, he shares powerful insights on strengthening your marriage through simple shifts that create deeper connection. This conversation will equip you to resist passivity and take proactive action in the areas that matter most.

TAKEAWAYS

Resist passivity and take the lead in having ongoing, shame-free conversations with your kids about sex and God's design for their bodies.
Your marriage is one of the first gifts you give to your children—they learn what relationships should look like by watching yours.
Fun is fuel for your marriage—without laughter and playfulness, everything else begins to collapse.
The mind feasts on what it focuses on—intentionally focus on God's plan for your family and flourishing will follow.
Being proactive as a husband and father isn't domineering—it's loving leadership that your wife finds attractive.
Create a team around your growth—invite other dads and couples to join you on the journey toward intentional parenting and thriving marriage.

GUEST

Dave Willis and his wife, Ashley, are the authors of multiple books including the bestseller, The Naked Marriage, and their newest release, Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for Deeper Connection. They're also Christian speakers, marriage coaches, and the hosts of The Marriage on the Line Podcast. They have four sons and live near Augusta, Georgia. Dave is passionate about helping dads lead their families with intentionality and helping couples build marriages that thrive.

LINKS

Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex (FREE 6-part video series) - Family Life
Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for Deeper Connection by Dave & Ashley Willis
The Marriage on the Line Podcast
9 Days to Great Sex Free eBook

QUOTES

"Your wives find being proactive in you very sexy. Women, by God's design, are attracted to a husband who takes action."
"Fun is fuel. If your marriage feels like it's on empty, it's because you've put fun on the back burner. Laughter isn't frivolous—it's vital."
"If we don't teach our kids about sex, the world's gonna do it for us and the world's gonna teach them the wrong messages."
"The mind feasts on what it focuses on. Focus on God's plan for your family and the flourishing will follow."
"Resist passivity. God hasn't called us to be passive. There are times to be still and patient, but never passive."

DA405 | Courageous Fatherhood, The Gift of Physical Touch, and Doing for One More Kid (Peter Ostapko) Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

✅ Why following Jesus is the most adventurous thing you'll ever do

✅ The often-overlooked power of physical touch with your kids

✅ How to build the deep brotherhood every dad desperately needs

✅ A game-changing challenge: Do for ONE kid outside your family what you do for your own

LEAVE DADAWESOME A VOICEMAIL

✅ Under 90-seconds

✅ Begin with your first name and where you are from

✅ RECORD YOUR MESSAGE HERE

SUMMARY

Imagine standing at the edge of a 30-foot-high dive over ice-cold water with your son watching from below. That terrifying moment of decision mirrors what it means to be a risk-taking dad in today's world. In this episode, Peter Ostapko from Kinsman shares the cliff-jumping story that changed how he parents, plus powerful insights on the gift of physical touch with your kids, the critical importance of being present, and why every dad needs deep brotherhood. You'll also hear an unforgettable challenge: do for one kid outside your family what you do for your own kids.

TAKEAWAYS

Following Jesus as a father is meant to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, beautiful journey—not boring or safe
Physical touch with your kids is a powerful gift that communicates love, safety, and connection in ways words cannot
Your presence as a dad matters more than you realize—availability beats ability every time
Deep friendships and brotherhood are essential for the fatherhood journey; isolation is the enemy
Challenge yourself to "do for one more kid" outside your family what you already do for your own kids
Being a sower and planting seeds means showing up consistently without always seeing immediate results
Don't place unrealistic expectations on your kids because you're trying to overcompensate for your own broken past
The Kinsman Journal helps fathers unlock the power of their story and create spaces for authentic connection

GUEST:

Peter Ostapko is a leader with Kinsman, an intentional men's ministry focused on faithfully demonstrating redemptive, Christ-centered brotherhood. Kinsman creates resources including publishing, podcasting, and gatherings to influence men toward authentic connection and purposeful living. Peter is also the creator of the Kinsman Journal, a beautiful resource designed to help men unlock the power of their stories. He's a husband, father, and passionate advocate for helping dads build deep friendships and lead their families with courage and intentionality.

LINKS:

Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Kinsman Ministry
The Kinsman Journal
Fathered by God by John Eldredge

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
02:53 - The Cliff Jumping Story: Taking Risks as a Dad
08:30 - Why Following Jesus Should Be Adventurous
15:45 - The Gift of Physical Touch with Your Kids
23:10 - Being Present: Your Availability Matters Most
30:20 - Deep Brotherhood and Why Dads Need Friendship
37:15 - The Kinsman Journal: Unlocking the Power of Story
42:00 - Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
44:20 - The "Do for One More Kid" Challenge
46:17 - Peter's Prayer Over Dads
48:00 - Closing Thoughts & Resources

5 TOP QUOTES:

"Following Jesus is to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, frightening, wonderfully beautiful, dependent, abiding thing we'll ever experience in our life."
"The role of a father is the most important title, mantle, role you'll ever have in your entire life outside of being a spouse to your wife."
"Do for one kid outside of your kids what you do for your kids. Be intentional with them. Invite them into dinners and love on them. You never know what some of these kids are going through."
"We talk ourselves out of way too many things. God is on the other side saying, 'Listen, I got an adventure for you. Do you want to do this or not?' He doesn't force us. He invites us into it."
"Your presence matters more than you realize. Just being available for your kid—that's what matters most."

DA404 | Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation, and Breaking Generational Patterns (Tyler Graham) Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

When you're constantly hurrying from one thing to the next, it's almost impossible to be the dad you want to be.

In this episode, you'll hear:

✅ The moment his son flinched and why it became the turning point

✅ How emotional regulation helps you stay in the "green zone" with your kids

✅ Why your role isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repenter

✅ The power of visioning your 80th birthday party (and reverse engineering it!)

This conversation will challenge you to slow down, stay steady, and stop letting your kids catch the shrapnel.

LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE for DadAwesome - share your QUESTIONS here

Summary:

What happens when the pace of your life is stealing your ability to be present with your kids? In this episode, Tyler Graham shares the moment his son flinched when he sat down beside him—and how that changed everything. You'll hear why emotional regulation might be the most important skill any dad can develop, how living at three miles per hour creates space for real connection, and why being the chief repenter in your home is more powerful than being Superman.

Takeaways:

Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—setting the tone rather than reacting to it.
When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel, and those moments leave lasting impressions.
Emotional regulation is one of the most critical skills for fatherhood—learning to respond from the green zone instead of the red or blue.
Vision is essential: imagine your child's eulogy or your 80th birthday party and reverse engineer the habits you need today.
Your role as a dad isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repenter, modeling humility and grace for your kids.

Guest Bio:

Tyler Graham is a dad of six, founder of Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, and a passionate advocate for helping fathers slow down and live at the pace of presence. Through coaching cohorts and resources, Tyler encourages dads to develop emotional regulation, break generational patterns, and build a compelling vision for their family's future. He lives with his wife and six kids on their homestead, where they're building a legacy rooted in connection, intentionality, and grace.

Quotes

"I cannot be the type of dad I want to be when I'm in a hurry."
"When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel."
"A dad's role is not to be Superman. A dad's role is to be the chief repenter."
"Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—set the tone, don't react to it."
"My son flinched when I sat down. That's when I knew something had to change."

Links

Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood (Tyler Graham's coaching): [website]
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero
A Burning in My Bones by Eugene Peterson
Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams

DA403 | Building the Overcome Muscle, Morning Rhythms with Your Kids, and Why Play Matters (Zac Ernst) Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

VOICE MESSAGE - leave us a 90-second question or comment or fedback... Start with your first name and where you are from: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome

🏋️ Want to become a stronger dad? It starts with doing hard things—together.

✅ How to stay emotionally strong when your teenager isn't in the mood to talk

✅ Why opposition is actually a gift (even when it feels impossible)

✅ The power of gamifying life and creating playful memories with your kids

✅ How a simple bike ride and croissant can become a weekly rhythm your son will remember forever

OVERVIEW

What if the obstacles you're facing right now are exactly what you need to grow stronger as a dad? In this episode, Zac Ernst shares how opposition builds your overcome muscle, why emotional strength matters more than ever with teenagers, and how a simple Tuesday morning bike ride can change everything. Plus, he opens up about losing half his income the month after doubling his mortgage—and the moment God broke through his fear with joy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emotional strength means staying steady through your kids' ups and downs rather than riding their emotional roller coasters.
Opposition and hard things aren't obstacles to avoid—they're opportunities to fortify your faith muscle and show your kids what trust looks like.
Play isn't optional for dads. It connects you to childlikeness, creates lasting memories, and reminds you that joy is found in pointless moments without outcomes.
Three out of five men have no one to call in crisis. Finding your tribe and suffering together breaks isolation and builds unshakeable bonds.
Your worry as a dad is like a five-year-old worrying about taxes—God's got this, and freedom comes when you open your hands and trust Him.

LINKS

Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Pursuit Official Website https://joinpursuit.co/
Zip Chip (favorite toy for play)
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

QUOTES

"Your fear and worry right now is equivalent to your five-year-old worrying about taxes."
"For a child, 15 minutes can be a lifelong memory. For us, it's a blink—but for them, it's forever."
"The most vulnerable man on the sand is the strongest. Let's eliminate shallow conversation and get to the heart quickly."
"Play isn't pointless—it's for joy. Men forget to have moments with no responsibility, no outcome, just pure fun."
"Every time we go through something challenging, we fortify something in our minds that tells us: I have what it takes. Jesus will get me through this."

DA402 | Four Pillars of Manhood, Emotional Safety, and Getting to the Rocking Chair with Love (Josh Krehbiel) Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

How to pass the 4 pillars of manhood to your kids
Why celebrating vulnerability matters more than perfect discipline
How to normalize hard conversations about sex, money, and struggle
The long view: Becoming a tender-hearted grandpa starts now

FULL SHOW NOTES

LEARN about joining the Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohorts

SUMMARY

Some days you feel like a C-grade dad, and that's when presence matters most. In this episode, Josh Krehbiel shares how he's learning to create emotional safety for his kids, celebrate vulnerability over performance, and pursue the long view of becoming a tender-hearted grandfather. You'll hear about the four pillars of manhood, why crock-pot freedom beats microwave solutions, and how to get to the rocking chair with love on your heart.

TAKEAWAYS

Marking moments matter: Creating manhood ceremonies and intentional milestones leaves lasting impressions on your kids, even if the follow-up isn't perfect.
Celebrate vulnerability first: When your kids fail or confess something hard, make it about their openness before addressing consequences—this builds emotional safety.
Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and be fueled by the future: These four pillars of manhood provide a framework for raising boys and girls with character.
Pursue purity as a top priority: The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection and have compassion without contamination.
Freedom is crock-pot, not microwave: Breakthrough comes through long-suffering love and staying present, not by trying to manhandle change.

GUEST

Josh Krehbiel is the lead founding pastor of Every Day Church in Roseville, Minnesota—a community focused on prayer, discipleship, and sending out leaders and movements. Along with his wife Katie, Josh is passionate about raising up the next generation through worship, ministry, and authentic family connection. They have four children: three teenagers and a five-year-old. Josh is also a songwriter and worship leader who believes in the power of declaring truth over families through music and prayer.

LINKS

Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
Raising Modern-Day Knights by Robert Lewis
Everyday Church, Roseville, Minnesota

QUOTES

"When failure happens we celebrate the vulnerability first because the most important thing is connection and felt safety."
"I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart and grandkids who say grandpa is kind."
"Freedom doesn't happen through manhandling it happens through long suffering love and staying present in the crock pot not microwave."
"Your kids don't feel safe because you think they're safe they feel safe when you celebrate their vulnerability over their performance."
"The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection with compassion instead of contamination."

DA401 | Beyond Comfort Zones: A Father-Daughter Conversation on Risk, Faith, and Inheritance (George & Ambery Gourlay) Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

🌍 From South Africa to America—this father-daughter story will challenge everything you think about comfort, risk, and legacy.

George moved his family across the world and his daughter Amberly just started grad school in Boston. Together they share:

✅ How one grandfather's radical encounter changed generations

✅ Why true security comes from identity, not circumstances

✅ The power of giving daughters space to be uncomfortable

✅ What it means to be a pioneering father in today's world

SUMMARY:

What happens when a father chooses courage over comfort and moves his family across the world to pioneer something new? In this episode, George Gourlay and his 23-year-old daughter Amberly share their story of leaving an established ministry in South Africa to start fresh in America. You'll hear how one grandfather's radical encounter with God shifted an entire family line, why security comes from identity rather than circumstances, and how giving daughters space to be uncomfortable actually draws them closer to their Heavenly Father.

TAKEAWAYS

One person's choice to choose God can literally change generations—the legacy you leave matters more than the comfort you keep
True security for your children comes from pointing them back to their Heavenly Father rather than trying to be their ultimate provider
Pioneering requires vulnerability and risk, but it creates inheritance and legacy for those who come after you
Give your daughters intentional affection and affirmation while also creating space for them to grow uncomfortable and dependent on God
The long dull years of middle-aged prosperity can become excellent campaigning weather for the enemy—comfort can be your greatest threat to effectiveness

GUESTS

George Gourlay is the lead pastor who moved his family from Durban, South Africa to Northeast Florida in 2024. He served for 14 years in ministry leadership in South Africa, following in the footsteps of his father who had a radical encounter with God that transformed their family line. George is married to Leanne and has three children: Amberly (23), Luke (20), and Mitch (10).

Amberly Gourlay is a 23-year-old graduate pursuing global studies and international relations in Boston. She delivered her university's commencement speech, challenging fellow graduates to choose courage over comfort with the heart of Isaiah's "here I am, send me." She's passionate about women's leadership in church and politics and embodies the pioneering spirit passed down through her family line.

Top 5 Quotes:

"One person's choice to choose God and one husband's choice to choose his wife and to choose his children literally changes generations." - Amberly Gourlay
"The long dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil." - C.S. Lewis (quoted by George)
"I have the privilege of a father who knows who our Father is in reality... He is not provider in and of itself, but he stewards what God provides." - Amberly Gourlay
"You need to love Jesus even more than you love me... dad, what you're telling me is you love Jesus more than you love me. But it didn't matter because it was this bigger picture." - George reflecting on his father's words
"As you begin to be uncomfortable and you have to go to God for things because your physical parents are far away, you begin to experience so much more of who He is." - Amberly Gourlay

LINKS:

Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book

DA400 | Celebrating 400 Episodes, Looking Back at God's Faithfulness, and the DADAWESOME Book Preview (Jeff Zaugg) Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Seven and a half years ago, a simple question on a cousin's patio changed everything: "How do you stay intentional as a dad?" That moment sparked what became 400 podcast conversations, over 1,000 men mobilized in activation events, and a million dollars raised for ministries serving the fatherless. In this milestone episode, Jeff celebrates by looking back at God's faithfulness, sharing the first-ever preview of the upcoming Dad Awesome book, and highlighting transformational moments from 16 unforgettable conversations that shaped this movement.

Takeaways:

Milestone moments matter - Pausing to celebrate and shine the spotlight on what God has done builds faith for the journey ahead
Small yeses create waves - Dad Awesome wasn't built on one grand gesture but hundreds of small commitments to growth over eight years
Intentionality transforms everything - Just like discovering great coffee, small shifts in daily rhythms can revolutionize your entire approach to fatherhood
Stories cascade through generations - When dads point to God's goodness consistently, children naturally learn to do the same with their own kids
Community accelerates growth - The DA plus three model shows that fatherhood gets exponentially better when you're not doing it alone
Generosity reveals faith - Taking steps forward in generosity, whether with time, words, or resources, grows our trust in God's faithfulness

Links:

DA399 | Seeing Your Kids, Feeling with Them, and Delighting in Who They Are (Dr. Jake Smith - Part 2) Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

🔥 PART 2 is here! Dr. Jake Smith is back with the game-changing attunement triangle that will transform how you connect with your kids.

70% of Christian leaders don't finish well as dads. Don't be part of that statistic.

In today's episode, you'll discover:

✅ The 4 components of attunement that create lasting relationships

✅ How to escape the "smothering grind" before it destroys your family

✅ Why behavior modification is sabotaging your connection with your kids

✅ The difference between "crushing life" and actually living it

SUMMARY:

The battle for your attention as a dad is real, and 70% of Christian leaders won't finish well. In part two of this critical conversation, Dr. Jake Smith reveals the attunement triangle that creates lasting relationships with your kids and how to escape the smothering grind that leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out. You'll discover why seeing your kids underneath their behavior changes everything and how to move from survival-mode parenting to deeply connected fatherhood.

TAKEAWAYS:

Attunement is the key to all healthy, deeply connected relationships: "I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you."
The smothering grind pushes 70% of dads toward three outcomes: burnout, flame out, or tap out—and none of them are acceptable.
Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in the world by moving beyond behavior modification.
The attunement triangle consists of attunement at the top, with containment and repair as the foundational supports.
You have two escape routes from life's river: hyperphoria (crushing it through activity) or hypophoria (checking out through apathy)—both lead to destruction.
Your kids need you to stay in the river of life, feeling what's yours to feel and facing what's yours to face.

GUEST:

Dr. Jake Smith is a licensed professional counselor, author, and the founder of Plumline Ministries. He specializes in helping men navigate the challenges of modern fatherhood while maintaining their emotional and spiritual health. Jake has extensive experience in counseling Christian leaders and is passionate about helping dads finish well in their most important relationships.

LINKS

Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
Plumb Line Ministry (HEART)
Plumb Line Ministry (SOUL)
Episode 311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender)
Episode 398 - Part 1 of conversation with Dr. Jake Smith
Dan Allender resources on attunement
Chip Dodd - Euphoria River framework

QUOTES

"I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you."
"70% of Christian leaders don't finish well—don't be part of that statistic."
"Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in life."
"Are you crushing life or is life crushing you?"
"The goal isn't perfect parenting—it's staying in process."
"Attunement is the one thing that ensures relationships last."
"Your kids don't need behavior modification—they need you to see them."
"Escape the grind before it leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out."
"Great parents don't always have great kids—but connected parents do."
"You don't have to be a perfect dad—you just have to be present."

DA398 | When Your 4-Year-Old Breaks Your Heart Open: The Plumb Line for Dads (Dr. Jake Smith) Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

💔 "If I could pick a nice dad or you, I'd still pick you."

That's what Dr. Jake Smith's 4-year-old daughter whispered to him at bedtime. Talk about a truth bomb from the mouth of a child!

Jake unpacks how that moment launched his discovery of our "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems that make us complete fathers:

✅ The Loving Companion (Heart)

✅ The Visionary Guide (Soul)

✅ The Strategic Overseer (Mind)

✅ The Driven Warrior (Strength)

Join the

DadAwesome Accelerator 6-Week Cohort: SUMMARY:

What happens when your 4-year-old daughter whispers, "If I could line up all the dads in the world and pick a nice one or you, I'd still pick you"? In this episode, Dr. Jake Smith shares how that truth bomb from his daughter launched him on a journey to discover what he calls our "spiritual anatomy"—the four integrated systems (heart, soul, mind, strength) that Jesus perfectly demonstrated. You'll learn why most dads operate from just one dominant system, how to identify your type, and practical steps to become the whole-hearted, integrated father your kids desperately need.

Key Takeaways:

Most dads live dominantly from one of four systems (heart, soul, mind, strength) with a "sidekick" system, creating 12 possible father types
Whatever you do to yourself emotionally, you'll do to your kids—if you dismiss your own feelings, you'll dismiss theirs
Jesus demonstrated perfect integration of all four systems, responding appropriately to each situation rather than predictable patterns
The goal isn't to stay in your comfort zone but to develop all four aspects of your spiritual anatomy for complete fatherhood
Creating space to understand your own emotions is the upstream work that transforms how you respond to your children's big feelings

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jake Smith is the founder of Plumb Line, a ministry dedicated to helping men and women live with their whole hearts through healing, wholeness, and purpose. A former pastor of 21 years, Jake now focuses on helping people integrate what he calls their "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems of heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus perfectly demonstrated. He and his wife have three children: two sons (19 and 17) and a 14-year-old daughter. Jake is passionate about helping fathers move beyond survival mode to become integrated, whole-hearted leaders in their homes.

Links Mentioned:

Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
Plumb Line Ministry (HEART)
Plumb Line Ministry (SOUL)
Dr. Jake Smith's upcoming book and assessment (releasing early 2026)
Episode 311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender)

DA397 | Making Real Life More Compelling Than Screens, The Purpose of Fatherhood, and Lessons from Foster Care (Kieran Lenahan) Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

✅ The "wooden box method" that transforms phone habits

✅ Why asking "What's the point of fatherhood?" changes everything

✅ How foster care taught them about the infinite value of every child

✅ Why each of your kids needs different parenting approaches

FULL SHOW NOTES

SUMMARY

What if the secret to raising kids who aren't addicted to screens isn't about restricting technology—but about making real life more compelling? In this episode, young dad Kieran Lenahan shares practical wisdom from the trenches of parenting four kids under six, including foster care experiences that changed everything. You'll discover why the simple question "What's the point of fatherhood?" should guide every parenting decision, and how a wooden box might be the game-changer your family needs.

TAKEAWAYS

The fundamental question every dad should ask and keep asking: "What is the point of fatherhood?" Let this guide your decisions rather than just reacting to whatever gets thrown at you.
Make real life more compelling than screens by creating engaging experiences—if physical reality is exciting, screens lose their allure naturally.
The wooden box method: Put phones in a physical container and commit to never looking at your phone when kids are asking for your attention.
Each child needs different parenting approaches—situational leadership applies to fatherhood, so learn to speak each kid's unique "language."
Foster care teaches you that every child has infinite value—there's no such thing as "practice" when it comes to loving and caring for any child.

GUEST

Kieran Lenahan is the founder of Malachi Daily, a scripture memory tool used by over 70,000 people to memorize Bible verses through gamified daily emails. He's an entrepreneur, coach, and father of four children under six, including children through foster care. Kieran and his wife are passionate about making real life more compelling than screens, intentional parenting, and helping families build rhythms around scripture memory. He lives with his family and leads initiatives that blend faith, technology, and practical parenting wisdom.

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
Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
Malachi Daily (Free Scripture Memory Newsletter)
WhisperFlow App (Voice Transcription)
Previous Jamie Winship episodes on Dad Awesome

QUOTES

"The biggest thing is thinking about what is the point of fatherhood? Let that be a really helpful guiding question as you enter fatherhood, and you can keep asking that as you go."
"We think that life is good and God created it in the physical real world to be good. If we can make that as compelling as possible, screens lose their allure."
"We will never be looking at our phone when our kids are asking for our attention. I never want our kids to feel like our phone is more important than they are."
"Not each of our kids needs the exact same type of parenting. The best leaders understand how to speak the language of that team member in a way that's going to motivate them."
"If we don't know who we are, it's really hard to live an effective, faithful, obedient life. If that's true for us, how much more true is that for our kids?"

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected