DadAwesome

🥝 32 years avoiding kiwi fruit. One taste changed everything. What if the same breakthrough is waiting in your fatherhood? Jeff Zaugg's Father's Day message will shift how you see those "annoying" parenting moments: ✅ Why pace, pain, people & perspective steal your wonder (and how to fight back) ✅ The Hebrew word "tov" that unlocks God's explosive delight in creation ✅ How a simple cup of water can activate you to lead with awe instead of annoyance This isn't just inspiration—it's activation. You'll walk away with the Fight or Flight Dad Challenge that turns ordinary moments into opportunities to treasure your calling. https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/389 Summary:  Wonder isn't just a nice feeling—it's a weapon against the thieves trying to steal your joy as a dad. In this powerful Father's Day message, Jeff Zaugg reveals how a simple kiwi fruit taught him the difference between avoidance and amazement, and why the words "stop and consider God's wonders" could transform your entire approach to fatherhood. From bedtime water requests to marriage struggles, discover how ordinary moments become opportunities to fight for your family with eyes of awe. Key Takeaways: Wonder multiplies when we move from avoidance to curiosity—God's goodness is waiting to be discovered and shared Four thieves steal our capacity for awe: pace (hurried living), pain (unhealed wounds), people (unforgiveness), and perspective (familiarity) The "tov" principle shows us God's explosive delight in creation and invites us to mirror that same wonder toward our children A dad who fights for his family anchors on three words: loved (secure identity), learner (humble growth), and leader (purposeful connection) Simple triggers like a cup of water can activate us to lead with wonder instead of annoyance Guest Jeff Zaugg is the founder of DadAwesome and host of over 390 podcast episodes, helping fathers across the country discover the joy of fatherhood. Through his work with FATHERS FOR THE FATHERLESS, he's mobilized over 1,100 men through endurance challenges that have raised over $1 million for vulnerable children. Jeff believes the single greatest gift dads can give their children is the gift of presence—being fully with them in each moment. He and his wife Michelle have been married for eighteen years and are parents to four daughters, currently based in Northeast Florida, where you'll find him surfing with his girls or building epic backyard rope swings. Quotes: "We honor God in heaven by treasuring the gift of fatherhood, not just enduring it." "Wonder isn't the absence of pain, but the ability to see God's beauty and goodness even in our suffering." "You gotta be son awesome before you try to show up as dad awesome—get soaking wet with God's love first." "Our pace robs us of awe. When there's no space to gaze, celebrate, or pause, we can't encounter God's goodness." "I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart, not unforgiveness weighing me down." "We can choose to treasure fatherhood or endure fatherhood—familiarity keeps us from wonder." "A cup of water can activate us to lead with wonder instead of moving toward annoyance."  

Ken Sande joins us for PART 2 to share game-changing tools every dad needs: ✅ The SOG Plan: Self-aware, Other-aware, God-aware conflict resolution ✅ The SERVE Acrostic: How to love your wife like Christ loves the church ✅ Why bringing the gospel beats lecturing every time SUMMARY Every dad faces conflict at home, but most of us handle it all wrong. In this episode, Ken Sande shares powerful tools that will transform how you navigate family tension. You'll discover the SOG plan for conflict resolution, learn the SERVE acrostic for loving your wife well, and hear an incredible story about how bringing the gospel to his 12-year-old daughter melted her rebellious heart in seconds. These aren't just concepts—they're practical tools you can use tonight. TAKEAWAYS The SOG plan (Self-aware, Other-aware, God-aware) breaks the cycle of self-justification and blame in family conflicts. Asking "What would please and honor God right now?" can instantly transform heated arguments into opportunities for growth. The SERVE acrostic gives dads a clear roadmap for loving their wives: Smile, Explore, Reconcile, Value, Encourage. Bringing the gospel to your kids is more powerful than any lecture—it softens hearts and creates lasting change. When daddy comes home, the whole household should light up because you've learned to put wind under everyone's wings. GUEST Ken Sande is the founder of Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360. As a lawyer turned peacemaker, he has helped resolve over 600 family conflicts, including 300+ marriages headed for divorce. Ken is the author of multiple books on conflict resolution and relational wisdom. He and his wife Corlette have been married for nearly 40 years and are more in love today than ever before. LINKS Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Learn about the DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Peacemaker Ministries Relational Wisdom 360 Ken Sande's Blog on Humility, Teachability, and Flexibility Seven Steps to Empathy Resource Young Peacemaker Curriculum (The 5 A's for Kids)

✅ The Seven A's of confession (and why "I'm sorry" isn't enough for deep healing) ✅ How to break the cycle of emotionally stunted men in your family line ✅ The 6-second technique that can save your marriage and your relationships with your kids ✅ Why going "upstream" is better than constantly putting out fires FULL SHOW NOTES >  SUMMARY: What if the reason marriages grow cold after the honeymoon year isn't about compatibility, but about something dads never learned to model? In this episode, Ken Sande reveals how emotionally stunted men are created when fathers never show their kids how to say "I'm sorry" or "I need help." You'll discover the Seven A's of confession that can break generational patterns and the upstream approach to preventing conflict before it starts. Plus, Ken shares practical tools for managing your emotions in the heat of the moment—including the six-second technique that can save your tongue from doing damage. Key Takeaways: More people are watching your responses to conflict than you realize—about 10 times more—and you're teaching through your reactions. The Seven A's of confession provide a framework for meaningful apologies that actually heal relationships rather than just checking a box. Emotional stunting passes from generation to generation when fathers never model humility, confession, or asking for help. The READ technique (Recognize, Evaluate, Anticipate, Direct) helps you manage amygdala hijacking and respond thoughtfully instead of reactively. Going "upstream" to prevent conflict through relational wisdom is more effective than constantly putting out the fires of broken relationships. Your royal identity as a child of God, friend of Jesus, and ambassador of reconciliation should shape how you lead your family 24/7. Guest: Ken Sande founded Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360, organizations focused on conflict resolution and relationship skills. After 30 years of mediating conflicts—including over 600 divorce cases with more than half reconciling—Ken shifted focus to go "upstream" and help people prevent conflict through biblical emotional intelligence. He's the author of multiple books on peacemaking and relational wisdom, and lives in Billings, Montana, where he enjoys hiking and backpacking with his family and grandchildren. Links Mentioned: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Young Peacemaker Curriculum (The 5 A's for Kids) Discovering Relational Wisdom Online Course Relational Peacemaking Course Relational Wisdom 360 (RW360.org) Peacemaker Ministries resources Six Skills That Help Every Relationship Three Qualities Blog

✅ Why smartphones make us feel god-like (and why that's dangerous) ✅ The 4 research-backed rules for kids and technology ✅ How a church-wide digital fast transformed an entire community ✅ What a therapy dog named Bruce taught him about presence SUMMARY: Parenting teenagers in a digital world feels impossible—especially when you're struggling with your own phone addiction. In this episode, Darren Whitehead (dad of 4 teenage girls) shares how he led his entire church through a 40-day digital fast and discovered the secret to high-definition parenting. You'll hear why smartphones make us feel god-like, how to have the phone conversation with your kids, and what a Havanese dog named Bruce taught him about presence. FULL SHOW NOTES: Key Takeaways: Smartphones simulate God's attributes (omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence) and we weren't built for limitless power Collective action is more effective than individual willpower—do digital fasts as a community, not alone No smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, and more unsupervised outdoor play When you put your phone down, you experience parenting in "high definition"—fully present and aware of these fleeting moments The most precious moments with your kids are being exchanged for infinitely trivial distractions Guest Darren Whitehead is the author of The Digital Fast and senior pastor of Journey Church in Franklin, Tennessee. He's a former youth pastor turned girl dad of four teenage daughters (ages 11, 14, 16, and 18). Darren has led thousands of people through digital detoxes and speaks regularly about technology, parenting, and spiritual formation. He and his wife live in Tennessee with their daughters and Bruce, their Havanese therapy dog.   Links Mentioned: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 The Digital Fast by Darren Whitehead Journey Church Franklin, Tennessee The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Sissy Goff (teenage girl counselor)      

✅ Why most dads get generosity completely wrong (and how to flip the script) ✅ Fun tactics to teach young kids the joy of giving (the $20 tip story will blow your mind!) ✅ The simple 4-pillar framework that works at any income level ✅ How money lies to our families about security, control, and happiness SUMMARY Money whispers lies to our kids every single day—promising security, control, and happiness it can never deliver. In this powerful episode, Todd Harper shares how his son went from declaring "I'm going to be filthy rich and never give a dollar away" at 15 to sacrificially giving a third of his salary before his death at 26. You'll discover why most dads approach generosity as an "ought to" instead of a "get to," practical ways to make giving fun for young kids, and Todd's simple four-pillar framework that works regardless of your income level. Takeaways The switch from "ought to" to "get to" changes everything about generosity—and kids can smell obligation from a mile away Once someone tastes the joy of giving, they never go back; Todd has never met a "former generous person" Simple tactics like leaving a $20 tip on a $3 check and watching through the window create unforgettable generosity moments for kids The four pillars of stewardship: Work diligently, give generously, save responsibly, live contentedly Money lies to us about security, control, happiness, and affirmation—contentment isn't tied to financial realities Taking kids to serve special needs children or experiencing international poverty shatters entitlement and builds gratitude The 1% challenge: increase your giving by 1% each year and watch God's faithfulness compound over decades Guest: Todd Harper is a passionate advocate for biblical generosity and the heart behind Generous Giving, where he's spent 25 years helping families discover the joy of open-handed living. Married to his college sweetheart for 37 years, Todd is a father of eight kids (five biological, three through marriage) and is about to become a grandfather. After losing his eldest son Davis seven and a half years ago, Todd has gained a deeper perspective on eternal values and the importance of living with heaven in view. Through Generous Giving, he's worked with families across the wealth spectrum, helping them experience the life-changing shift from obligation-based giving to joy-filled generosity. 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 Generous Giving: www.generousgiving.org Journey of Generosity experiences National Christian Foundation Nathaniel's Hope (Make Them Smile events) Quotes: "We can't BS our kids. They read through all of it. If we're generous out of obligation, it's not going to translate differently for them." "I've never met a former generous person." "The world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." "Everybody wants to experience a miracle, but nobody wants to be in a position to need one." "Money, money, money—all I really want is my dad to know my friends' names."   Davis Harper’s gift to his dad on his 50th birthday: 1) I love how you love mom. Your marriage is such a great example to me.  2) I love how you brag on your kids. You're always telling someone about the cool things your kids are doing.  3) I love that you love watching basketball with me and asking questions. You want to know my world.  4) I love that you took us on trips growing up, im learning the value of all those experiences as I grow up.  5) I love how international you are about family time. You are the most happy whenever you are with your family.  6) I love that you are active. It's bad to the bone that you still cycle and golf and water ski, you're a total cool dad!  7) I love your saying "pay for experiences, not stuff"  8) I love hearing how good a friend you are to people. People are always telling me how incredible of a friend you are to them.  9) I love that you're a reader. You're always telling me about something you're reading or something I should check out.  10) I love that you unconditionally love me. Your example of how to love your wife and kids is incredible. 

✅ The 5-movement Examen prayer that's transforming bedtimes (free PDF included!) ✅ Why this dad says NO social media until 18 (and the research backing him up) ✅ Simple breath prayers that turn everyday moments into encounters with God ✅ The daily catechism question that reminds his kids of their true identity FULL SHOW NOTES:  In a world where screens compete for our attention every waking moment, how do we raise kids who know they belong to God instead of their devices? Jay Kim, a pastor living in Silicon Valley, shares his family's journey of moving at the "pace of peace" while navigating digital distractions. From practicing the ancient prayer of Examen with his 10 and 7-year-old to implementing radical boundaries around smartphones, Jay offers practical wisdom for dads who want to show up—really show up—for their children in an analog way.  TAKEAWAYS   Moving at the "pace of peace" means prioritizing relationships over plans and never compromising people for productivity The Examen prayer creates a powerful bedtime rhythm: presence, gratitude, reflection, confession, and hope for tomorrow Breath prayers can transform everyday moments—try "God, you control outcomes" (inhale) and "help me to be faithful" (exhale) Digital addiction requires intentional intervention: practice one hour tech-free daily, one day weekly, one week yearly Your kids need to see you detached from devices—dock phones away from family spaces to model analog presence Catechism in daily rhythms reinforces identity: "What is our only hope in life and death? We are not our own, we belong to God" Social media should have age restrictions like alcohol and tobacco—consider no social media until 18 The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) is the antidote to digital-age discontentment, fragility, and foolishness GUEST  Jay Kim is a pastor in Northern California's Silicon Valley, author of multiple books including Analog Christian and Analog Church, and host of the Digital Examen podcast. He and his wife Jenny have two children and are committed to practicing intentional, incarnational family rhythms in one of the world's most digitally connected regions. Jay's work focuses on helping followers of Jesus navigate technology with wisdom while cultivating deeper spiritual practices. Links Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Analog Christian by Jay Kim Analog Church by Jay Kim Digital Examen Podcast The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Examen Prayer Family Guide (Free PDF) Heidelberg Catechism for Children Listen. Listen. Speak. by Jay Kim  

✅ How healing from father wounds creates ripple effects that impact generations ✅ The power of showing up consistently (Leo hasn't missed a single one of his son's games!) ✅ Why prayer cards with specific prayers for each child have created lasting impact ✅ How to break generational cycles even when you didn't have a model FULL SHOW NOTES: SUMMARY Growing up with a famous boxer father who never showed up for his games taught Leo Clark what it means to truly fight for the hearts of his children. In this powerful conversation, Leo shares how he's breaking generational cycles through his basketball ministry, intentional parenting, and the healing journey that transformed his ability to love. You'll hear how pain that isn't dealt with can block our capacity to parent well, and how God's restoration can create ripple effects that impact not just our own children, but countless others. TAKEAWAYS Breaking generational cycles begins with healing your own pain and allowing God to father you first A dad who fights for his kids shows up consistently, even when they try to push him away Being intentional about prayer and writing down specific prayers for your children creates lasting impact Your smile can be a gift that breaks down barriers and opens doors for meaningful connection Pain that isn't dealt with limits your capacity to love well and be fully present for your children The words you speak to your children become their inner voice—make them words of life Creating a legacy of love requires intentional reflection and being willing to be vulnerable GUEST Leo Clark is the co-founder of Go Get It, a basketball training ministry that mentors young men on and off the court. Growing up as the son of a famous heavyweight boxer who was physically absent from his life, Leo has dedicated himself to breaking generational cycles and being fully present for his five children. His powerful testimony of healing and restoration was featured in episode three of the Wild at Heart documentary series. Leo lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Marianne and continues to impact countless young men through basketball, mentorship, and his passion for fatherhood.   LINKS Wild at Heart Documentary Series: Episode 3 featuring Leo Clark Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

My Daughters took over the podcast this week!   Interviewing Justin Whitmel Early about his new KIDS BOOK - "The Big Mess" ➡️ Why finding God in family life means embracing the mess, not avoiding it ➡️ How to create intentional spaces where your older kids will actually talk to you ➡️ The simple prayer that can transform frustrating parenting moments ➡️ Why throwing food might be good for your family (seriously!) This episode is filled with giggles, wisdom, and practical advice for dads navigating the beautiful chaos of family life. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/382 SUMMARY: The Zaugg girls take over the podcast! In this special episode, Justin Whitmel Earley joins the four sisters to discuss his delightful new children's book, "The Big Mess." Discover why creating giant desserts (and sometimes destroying them) can teach profound lessons about forgiveness, sibling relationships, and finding God in the beautiful chaos of family life. Plus, hear why the girls are planning their own rooftop cookie adventure and how throwing pancakes across the kitchen can become a cherished family tradition. TAKEAWAYS The best relationship-building moments with your children happen in the mess, not by avoiding or controlling it. As kids grow older, shift from structured rhythms to creating intentional spaces where deeper conversations can happen naturally. Relationship is built in shared activity—invite your children into your projects, even when it means things will take longer or be done imperfectly. A "pause prayer" before disciplining your children can transform how you respond to frustrating situations. The reconciliation between siblings can be generative, creating joy that extends beyond your family to bless your entire neighborhood. GUEST Justin Whitmel Earley is the bestselling author of "The Common Rule," "Habits of the Household," and "Mate." He's also the founder of The Hang Ten Movement, which encourages parents to wait until 10th grade before giving their children smartphones. Justin lives with his wife and four sons near Richmond, Virginia, where they enjoy building (and sometimes smashing) enormous desserts in their kitchen and driveway.   Links mentioned: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome:  Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 The Big Mess by Justin Whitmel Earley The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley Made For People by Justin Whitmel Earley The Hang Ten Movement

SUMMARY Fatherhood isn't about perfection—it's about presence, moral consistency, and showing up when it matters most. In this heart-stirring episode from the vault, Bob Merritt shares powerful stories about those precious moments that define a father's legacy. From confronting hard truths with his college-aged son to the tear-filled goodbye when his daughter left for college, Bob reveals how staying faithful in the small things prepares you for the big moments that matter most. TAKEAWAYS Consistency in three areas—staying married, staying moral, and pursuing God—creates a foundation that enables deeper father-child connections. Only strong fathers have the courage to ask their children where they need to improve; weak men avoid this vulnerability. When your child makes concerning choices, choose thoughtful engagement over passive silence—staying in the battle is more important than saying everything perfectly. The most meaningful moments in fatherhood are earned through years of faithful presence and moral consistency. Choose laughter and joy in your home—a house that hasn't heard genuine laughter in months reveals deeper issues. GUEST Bob Merritt served as Senior Pastor of Eagle Brook Church for over two decades before transitioning to leadership teaching, consulting, and coaching. He is a father of two, grandfather of six, and author of several books on leadership and faith. Bob is known for his practical, down-to-earth teaching style and his passionate commitment to helping people grow in their faith and leadership.   Links mentioned: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Bob Merritt's website and resources https://www.bobmerritt.com/ Eagle Brook Church

FROM THE VAULT: Initially released in August of 2021 🏠 "Home was not just a place I lived, but the place I most wanted to be." ✅ The blind spots that almost derailed his family (and how he overcame them) ✅ Why church attendance matters more than you think ✅ How to create a home your kids actually want to be in ✅ The power of courageous humility in fatherhood SUMMARY What if the most powerful thing you could do as a dad wasn't extraordinary at all? In this heart-stirring conversation, Pastor Bob Merritt reveals how 30+ years of simple daily faithfulness transformed his family's life. From humble beginnings to leading one of Minnesota's largest churches, Bob shares the painful intervention that saved his career, marriage, and fatherhood legacy. Plus, you'll hear his daughter's emotional tribute that will make you rethink what true success as a dad looks like. TAKEAWAYS Your daily faithfulness matters more than you realize—even when parenting feels monotonous and difficult Leading your family to church consistently is one of the most foundational ways to impact your children's faith Confronting your blind spots requires tremendous courage but can completely transform your family legacy The words you speak and the example you set as a dad influence your children for decades to come Creating a home your children want to be in starts with staying faithful to your spouse GUEST Bob Merritt served as Senior Pastor of Eagle Brook Church in Minnesota for nearly three decades, helping it grow to become one of the largest churches in America. He's the author of several books including "Done With That" and "Get Wise." Now retired from full-time ministry, Bob enjoys spending time with his wife Laurie, their two adult children, and six grandchildren. His greatest joy is seeing his family's continued commitment to faith and watching the legacy of intentional parenting extend to the next generation. 5 Most Impactful Quotes "It really is in the small, little daily things that really matter... I think parenting is the hardest thing on the planet... But I would go back and say it's your daily faithfulness, even though you don't know what you're doing half the time. But it's your daily faithfulness to your marriage, to showing up at home after work, to put the kids in your lap and just day after day after day after day of monotony in many cases. But out of that, God has a ripple effect and will do things and impact people now in ways that you'd never dreamed possible." "You don't have to know how to pray. You don't even have to read the Bible that much. You don't have to know how to memorize scripture or do devotions. But you can lead your kids to church and see what God will do because they're watching you." "Will I have enough humility, will I have enough strength to ask somebody, 'Hey, will you help me see some things in my life?' It's a person of strength who is willing to admit 'I've got an anger problem.' People of weakness will never admit they have an issue." "Every human being, because we are sinful, we are all flawed. We all have blindspots. Every dad should give themselves the gift of going to a professional counselor and say, 'Hey, where am I good and where am I weak? Would you help me see my weak spots?' For many men, that would be the key transformational moment in their life." "You are the most important influence as a dad in your home... your kids are watching you at all times. For good or bad, how you live your life as a dad will impact your kids for the rest of their life." Links mentioned: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort: Email awesome@dadawesome.org Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Bob Merritt Website: https://www.bobmerritt.com/