DadAwesome

Dave Willis, an author and marriage coach, shares vital insights for dads on how to lead important conversations about sex with their kids. He emphasizes the need for proactive parenting to foster open, shame-free dialogues. Willis also highlights the significance of a thriving marriage as a model for children, advocating for playful connections and emotional intimacy. He outlines seven simple shifts to improve marital relationships and encourages dads to resist passivity, nurturing both their families and their own growth.

Peter Ostapko, a leader with Kinsman, dives into the adventurous journey of fatherhood. He shares a thrilling cliff-jump story that illustrates the importance of risk-taking in parenting. Discover the healing power of physical touch and the significance of deep brotherhood among dads. Peter challenges listeners to mentor a child outside their family, emphasizing that presence and connection matter most. He also discusses stepping away from banking to pursue ministry, igniting a conversation on faith and intentional fatherhood.

In a heartfelt discussion, Tyler Graham, founder of Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood and a devoted father of six, shares his journey to becoming more present with his children. He recounts the pivotal moment when his son flinched, prompting a transformation in his parenting approach. Tyler emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, encouraging dads to be thermostats setting the household tone rather than thermometers reacting to it. He also offers unique vision exercises, highlighting how imagining life milestones can reshape parenting habits.

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."    

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."

🌍 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  

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: 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 Clips from 16 DadAwesome Episodes: 25 | Patei Iyegha 38 | Pursuing Shalom, Chasing Dreams & Being All-On-Dad (Paul Hurckman) 77 | Crafting Key Moments, Modeling KINDNESS & Praying with Desperation (Ryan Skoog) 98 | Awaken The Warrior Heart (Pablo Ceron) 137 | Spirit-Filled Parenting, Hearing God's Voice, & Shaping our Kids as Arrows (Seth Dahl) 148 | Andy Crouch - The Tech-Wise Family 187 | Jon Tyson on Skillful Manhood, Capturing First Moments & The Intentional Father 214 | Context, Fainting Goats & Being Secretly Awesome (Bob Goff) 238 | A Place for the Heart (Ken Helser) 250 | Raising Kids Humbly, Loving Your Wife Fully, and Soaring Joyfully (Morgan Snyder) 286 | Parenting for the Third Generation, Building Family Assets, and Championing the Beauty of Fatherhood (Jeremy Pryor) 298 | Dialing In, Leading with Love, and Being the Loudest Voice in Your Child's Ears (Dr. Jackson Drumgoole) 314 | Tackling Fear in a War Zone, Modeling Courage, and Embracing Your True Identity (Jamie Winship) 364 | Bedtime Blessings, Birthday Letters, and 5 Simple but Life-Changing Habits (Justin Whitmel Earley) 375 | Experiential Christianity, Lingering with Jesus, and The War for Your Attention (John Eldredge) 385 | Raising Kids Who Live Generously, Creating Miracle Moments, and the 1% Challenge (Todd Harper)    

Dr. Jake Smith, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Plumline Ministries, returns to discuss essential strategies for connected fatherhood. He emphasizes the attunement triangle—a transformative approach to relationships that involves seeing, feeling, and delighting in your kids. Jake highlights the dangers of the 'smothering grind' that leads to burnout for many fathers and challenges conventional behavior modification techniques that inhibit genuine connection. Listeners learn how emotional awareness can foster deeper family ties, guiding fathers away from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Dr. Jake Smith, founder of Plumb Line, shares a touching moment with his 4-year-old daughter that inspired him to explore "spiritual anatomy" in fatherhood. He explains four key systems—heart, soul, mind, and strength—that shape a dad's presence. Most fathers tend to favor one, leading to imbalance. Jake emphasizes that our emotional health directly affects our children and discusses how Jesus exemplified holistic integration. His insights inspire dads to embrace all aspects of themselves for better parenting and deeper connections.

✅ 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?"