DadAwesome

Matt Hanson, founder of the Ion Path, advocates for a transformative three-year Christian rite of passage for dads and teens. He discusses the importance of creating defining moments in a child's faith journey, emphasizing that fathers hold significant influence in transferring faith. Hanson shares tips on building deeper connections through 30 conversations in 30 days and the necessity of teaching essential life skills. He also highlights the potential of communal support in this pivotal transition to adulthood.

Chris Cirullo, a former Army Ranger and founder of Mission Fit, shares insights on transforming lives with just 15 minutes a day. He discusses the brain science behind morning and evening routines, emphasizing their impact on faith and focus. Cirullo reveals how to establish a Daily 15 practice that integrates hydration, prayer, and movement. He also explores the importance of Sabbath, offering fun rituals that make it a favorite in households. Dads are encouraged to embrace their responsibilities, building a lasting legacy through small, consistent actions.

Chris Cirullo, a former Army Ranger and founder of Mission Fit Dads, delves into the biblical call for fathers to bring order to their homes. He discusses innovative ways to train kids, including using M&Ms as rewards and conducting weekly family meetings to tackle friction points head-on. Chris also emphasizes the importance of setting 'impossible' goals to drive clarity and improvement in family life. His insights combine discipline with fun, offering practical strategies for nurturing effective and loving family systems.

Chris Ammon, founder of Kaleidoscope and former children's pastor, dives into the fascinating world of children's development. He reveals why your child's 'selfishness' is a normal phase and shares how emotional awareness can transform your parenting. Chris walks through the crucial steps of teaching kids to say 'I'm sorry' and emphasizes the importance of simply showing up for your children. He also introduces the unique 'turkey hunting philosophy' for fostering spiritual growth, encouraging dads to engage in meaningful, everyday conversations.

In this discussion, Carl Cartee, a seasoned songwriter and father of four, delves into intentional parenting. He shares how wrestling and pizza nights created deep connections and dignity among his sons. Carl emphasizes the importance of having open discussions about sex to foster trust, and the benefits of delaying phone use until driving age. Plus, he reflects on choosing a spouse based on companionship rather than just attraction. The transformative story of the Sons of Korah inspires dads to rewrite their family legacies through faith.

In this engaging conversation, David Murrow, an author and church consultant with over 25 years of experience in helping churches engage men, shares invaluable insights for fathers. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions to foster spiritual curiosity rather than lecturing. David introduces the concept of 15-second prayers for integrating faith into everyday life and discusses three pivotal journeys every man experiences: submission, strength, and sacrifice. He also explores how short parables can spark meaningful conversations within families.

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."