✅ 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
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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:
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."
DadAwesome 
