How Healing Led To Family Freedom for This Dad

In this powerful and raw episode of the Dad Tired podcast, Jerrad sits down with Pedro LaTorre, speaker, author, and coach, to dive deep into Pedro's personal story of fatherhood, healing, and breaking free from performance-driven living. From childhood trauma to finding freedom in Jesus, Pedro shares how his life experiences have shaped him as a father and husband.

Key Moments:

• [00:01] – Jerrad introduces Pedro amidst the chaos of a flooded house and sets the tone for an honest conversation.
• [01:26] – Pedro shares his background: being half Puerto Rican, half Cuban, and growing up with a name that confuses people.
• [03:16] – Daddy-daughter day with Pedro's 3-year-old and the small moments that matter most.
• [05:35] – Pedro talks about the emotional healing journey that helped him become more present as a father.
• [07:58] – Discussing the importance of knowing God enjoys us, and how that fuels us to enjoy our families.
• [08:41] – Pedro opens up about the deep pain caused by his father leaving and childhood abuse, which led to a performance addiction in his life.
• [11:36] – The turning point in Pedro’s life after an injury ended his professional baseball dreams and led him into ministry.
• [16:16] – The “performance addiction” Pedro struggled with and how it impacted his relationships, including his marriage.
• [19:12] – Pedro talks about how COVID shut down his life in LA and how he dealt with the struggle of being still.
• [27:58] – What it means that Jesus’ sacrifice was covenantal, not transactional, and how that changes our lives as fathers.
• [36:53] – Pedro recounts the life-changing moment when he asked his wife, “What’s it like being married to me?”
• [47:16] – The importance of community, healing, and embracing feelings to live out the life God intends for us as men.

Resources Mentioned:

• Tin Man Ministries – Emotional wellness resources for men
• Dr. Chip Dodd’s "Voice of the Heart" – A recommended book on emotional healing