Dad Tired

What do you do when life falls apart—and you're still expected to lead, provide, and hold it all together? In this episode, Pastor John Onwuchekwa shares his story of unexpected loss, spiritual exhaustion, and the slow, grace-filled process of healing. Through raw moments of grief, relational strain, and a sabbatical that reshaped him, John shows why grief isn’t something to get over—but something we have to learn to carry.Together, John and Kaleb explore how Scripture, friendship, and deep honesty help Christian men navigate sorrow without losing hope. If you’re in a season of loss—or walking with someone who is—this conversation offers comfort, language, and direction. What You’ll Learn:Why grief isn't linear—and why it doesn't mean you're doing it wrongThe difference between honesty and hopelessnessHow grief affects marriage, friendships, and spiritual rhythmsWhy isolation is more dangerous than tragedyHow Ecclesiastes and the resurrection became anchors for John’s healingWhat to do (and not do) when walki

 In this episode, Peter Ostapko shares how God called him out of banking and into a creative, countercultural ministry: Kinsman Journal. Built around the themes of faith, fatherhood, and work, the journal combines original photography, timeless essays, and deep storytelling to speak to the heart of Christian men.Peter also explains how Kinsman has grown beyond print into live gatherings like Kinsman Table, where excellence, hospitality, and intentionality create space for men to connect and grow- through presence. Listen in to hear more about  deeper brotherhood, renewed purpose, or a new way to engage with the men in your life. What You’ll Learn:How a vision for “faith, fatherhood, and work” sparked a national movementWhy the Kinsman Journal focuses on everyday men’s stories, not celebrity voicesHow beauty and excellence open doors for discipleshipWhy men need more than sermons—they need community and challengeThe difference between programming and presence in men’s ministryHow local gatherings and generosit

Most Christian men want to be more consistent—more prayerful, more disciplined, more engaged. But what if the struggle isn’t really about discipline at all? In this episode, Kaleb Allen looks at the life of Daniel to show that lasting spiritual habits flow from conviction, not willpower. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about believing deeper. If you’re tired of starting strong and fading out, this message will help you reframe discipline as a response to what you believe about God, not just a task to check off.What You’ll Learn:Why discipline without conviction eventually failsHow Daniel’s life shows the power of consistent devotion over decadesThe difference between spiritual guilt and genuine desireWhy you may not have a “prayer problem”—you may have a belief problemHow to write spiritual resolutions that actually shape your lifeWhy the lion’s den was safer for Daniel than 30 days without prayer

What happens when one man devotes his whole life to prayer? In this  episode, Kaleb Allen shares the  story of John Hyde—known as “Praying Hyde”—a missionary to India whose hidden life with God shook nations. Hyde’s devotion wasn’t loud or public, but it was deep, consistent, and marked by sacrificial love.Kaleb weaves Hyde’s story with Scripture, church history, and a connection to Joseph of Arimathea’s tenderness at the cross, inviting Christian men to step into a quiet, faithful life shaped by love, not performance. If your spiritual life feels tired or distracted, this episode calls you back to where true power begins: in the presence of God.What You’ll Learn:Why devotion is about consistency, not perfectionHow prayer shapes legacy—even across generationsWhy real intercession is born from brokenness, not pressureThe story of John Hyde’s increasing burden for soulsHow sacrifice, fasting, and prayer brought revival in IndiaWhat Joseph of Arimathea’s act of love teaches us about the cross

What does it really look like to seek God in the secret place as a way of life? Bob Sorge shares how decades of vocal injury and physical suffering drew him deeper into intimacy with Jesus. Rather than walking away from his calling, Bob chose to lean in—learning to meet God in silence. Bob and Kaleb explore how the secret place forms men into spiritual leaders, how a father’s hunger for God can shape the atmosphere of a home, and why devotion rooted in desire—not duty—is what sustains us through every season. If you’re a husband, father, or ministry leader longing for something more than surface-level faith, this episode offers a  personal call back to the presence of God. What You’ll Learn:The difference between duty-driven prayer and desire-fueled devotionHow suffering can press us into God's presence—not away from itWhat it looks like to seek God in seasons of confusion, silence, or painWhy secret place discipline flows best from personal hungerHow to teach your kids to build their own relationship with Je

In this episode, Jerrad Lopes shares that he is stepping away from ministry. He talks honestly about hidden sin, personal pain, and the need to heal. He talks  about choosing to face what has been ignored.Jerrad explains what led to this point and why rest, confession, and care are necessary. He speaks as a husband, father, and follower of Christ who wants to be whole. If you are carrying quiet struggles of your own, this is an invitation to stop hiding and start healing.What You’ll Learn:Why hidden sin exhausts your soulThe danger of building influence without healingHow confession, counseling, and community are shaping Jerrad’s path forwardWhat it looks like to step away from ministry for the sake of your familyWhy God cares more about your soul than your platformHow Dad Tired will continue during Jerrad’s absence

In this episode, Kaleb Allen talks about the danger of mixed motives in the Christian life. He looks back at his own early years in ministry and how pride, competition, and selfish ambition tried to shape his devotion. Kaleb reminds us that spiritual disciplines should lead to deeper friendship with God, not performance or status.You’ll learn:• Why some people pursue revival for the wrong reasons• How pride can hide inside prayer, fasting, and study• What Paul says about preachers with selfish motives• How to avoid a “works-based” mindset in your devotional life• Why thankfulness for the cross must fuel everything you doThis is a call to honest, simple devotion. One that’s shaped by love for Jesus—not the desire to be seen.  Episode Resources: Philippians 1:15–17 and 2:19–21 (on motivation) James 4:3 (prayer and selfish motives)Sponsor: Range Leather (15% off): rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIREDThe Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com 

Kaleb Allen opens up about his battle with fatigue, motivation, and what happens when productivity starts to replace devotion. In this episode, he invites men to re-center their hearts and ask honest questions about what they’re really living for.You’ll learn:• Why even good things can distract us from God• What it means to “will one thing” and live with single focus• How the early church modeled consistent, daily devotion• Why intentionality, attention, and perseverance all matter• What to do when your faith feels dividedThis is a challenge to slow down and examine your motives. Are you driven by love for Jesus, or by what people think of you? It’s a call to live for one thing—and one thing only.- Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB- Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

In this episode, Jerrad talks with Laura Wifler, co-founder of Risen Motherhood, about what it really means to parent through the lens of the gospel. They discuss marriages, emotional labor, disability, and what it looks like to lead your home with grace and intentionality.You’ll learn: • Why unseen tasks in the home matter so much to your wife • How gospel-centered parenting changes your tone and goals • What Laura wishes every husband understands • How to grow in emotional leadership as a dad • What it means when God calls you to a ministry you didn’t chooseThis is a conversation for husbands who want to better understand their wives, love their kids well, and let the gospel shape every part of family life.Episode Resources:Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child): samaritanspurse.org/occ Risen Motherhood: risenmotherhood.com Laura Wifler’s books & poetry: laurawifler.com The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlop

In this episode, Jerrad and Chris Hilken answer listener-submitted questions on birth control, vasectomies, salvation before Jesus, masturbation, and how to talk to your kids about sex. They offer  biblical support for dads who want to lead with wisdom today.What You’ll Hear: A biblical framework for birth control and family planning Why delaying kids can sometimes lead to spiritual drift How Old Testament believers were saved before Christ What makes masturbation sinful How to talk to your kids about sex with truth and grace Whether God still talks to Satan like in the story of Job Episode Resources:Ask Chris a question: dadtired.com/question Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donateSamaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child: samaritanspurse.org/occ The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

In this episode, Kaleb Allen and Seth Baumgartner  talk about what it means to follow Jesus through  difficult seasons. They reflect on the life and journal of missionary David Brainerd—a man who deeply struggled with sickness, depression, and loneliness, yet remained faithful to the end. What You’ll hear: • Why Brainerd is considered a model of gospel perseverance • What it means to be honest with God in seasons of doubt and dryness • Why hardship doesn’t disqualify you from ministry • How friendship and shared spiritual rhythms shape your faith • What it looks like to run your race well, even if you feel emptyFeeling weary, isolated, or unsure how to keep going. You’re not alone—and God isn’t finished with you.Episode  Resources:  Hebrews 12:1  James 1:2–4 The Life and Diary of David Brainerd  Ask a question or reach out: dadtired.com/question Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB  Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

Jerrad talks with David Pollack, former NFL linebacker, ESPN analyst, and host of the Family Goals podcast. They discuss what it means to raise kids in a culture focused on performance. David shares how his career-ending injury shaped his faith, how he leads at home, and why his kids don’t have to earn his approval.You’ll hear: • What David learned about identity after football • Why performance-based parenting wears kids down • How to help your kids live their age and still build grit • Why sports should never come before church • What grace-based leadership looks like in the homeThis conversation is practical and honest for dads who wants to raise strong kids without tying their worth to success.Episode Resources:1. David Pollack -podcast: Family Goals Podcast2. David Pollack-  book: The Sweet Spot (Amazon)3. Sponsor- Range Leather (15% off): rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIRED4. Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate5. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB6. Invite Jerrad to speak: https:

In this episode, Jerrad and Chris continue their Q&A series by answering more real questions from listeners. In this episode, they talk  about addiction, divorce, friendships, and how to interpret parts of the Bible. They discuss how to take sin seriously without falling into shame, and how to lead your family with clarity and conviction.What You’ll hear: • Can you lose your salvation if you're addicted to porn? • What real repentance looks like for struggling believers • Are Bible stories like Job literal or symbolic? • Should married men and women have opposite-sex friendships? • Can someone who’s been divorced get remarried without sinning? • Why some Gospel stories seem to conflict—and how to read them rightlyThis is a solid, truth-filled episode for men who want to lead well and stay grounded in God’s Word.Episode Resources:Ask a question: dadtired.com/question Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate Range Leather (15% off): rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIRED Read The Dad Tired Book: https://a

Kaleb Allen continues the wilderness series by reflecting on how God meets us in our most restless and uncertain seasons. He looks at Moses’ burning bush moment and the prison writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to show how clarity often begins with surrender. What You’ll hear: • What Bonhoeffer’s poem “Who Am I?” teaches about identity • Why God tells Moses who He is before saying who Moses is • What it means to “turn aside” and notice God in the mundane • How reverence and stillness open space for real connection • Why theology is essential when your soul feels dryFeeling stuck, tired, or spiritually numb—remember that you belong to God before you do anything for Him.Episode  Resources: Book: Letters and Papers from Prison – Dietrich Bonhoeffer  Poem: “Who Am I?” by Bonhoeffer  Book: Practicing the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence  Book: Bonhoeffer – Eric Metaxas  Exodus 3, Isaiah 53, Romans 8, Revelation 4  Bible Reading Plan: The McShane Plan  Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate  Read The Dad Tired Book:

In this episode, Jerrad continues the conversation about emotional health, spiritual lies, and what it means to lead your family when life feels heavy. He shares how a difficult week brought up insecurity, discouragement, and a sense of weariness. Jarred, encourages you  to slow down, examine your heart, and be honest about the lies you’ve been believing.What You’ll hear:• How to recognize when something is off in your soul• Why many men turn up the noise instead of dealing with the pain• What it means to “find the dead rat” in your life• How trusted friends help bring truth into dark spaces• Why your worth is not measured by performanceEpisode Resources:Operation Christmas Child: samaritanspurse.org/occKaleb’s Corner – Wednesdays on the Dad Tired podcast Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBSupport Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donateInvite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

Jerrad and Chris continue the Q&A series by answering real questions from listeners about sexuality, salvation, communion, and what happens after we die. Chris Hilkin gives pastoral and biblical answers to  these  issues with truth, and compassion.What You’ll hear: • How to forgive yourself when you still feel ashamed • What the Bible says about being gay and going to heaven • Why identity matters more than orientation • Whether loved ones in heaven can hear or see us • If communion is the literal body of Christ • How to approach people in your life with both truth and graceTune in to hear what the Bible actually says and how to live it out with conviction and love.Episode  Resources:1. Ask a question: dadtired.com/question2.Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate3. Range Leather (15% off): rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIRED 4. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB 5. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

 Kaleb Allen continues the wilderness series by looking at the moment Elijah hit his limit. After calling down fire from heaven, Elijah finds himself in the desert, exhausted and ready to quit. Kaleb shares what it looks like when men hit that same place and how God responds with rest, care, and quiet direction.  What You’ll hear: • Why Elijah collapsed under a broom tree after his biggest victory • What it means to laugh at yourself in low moments • How God responds to weakness with kindness, not shame • Why your physical health affects your spiritual strength • How to hear God’s voice in the quiet • What to do when you feel like quitting everythingFeeling tired, frustrated, or in a spiritual dry spell?  God still has work for you, and He meets you with grace before He gives you your next step.Episode Resources:• 1 Kings 19, James 5, Mark 14 – Elijah and Gethsemane • Book: Letters and Papers from Prison – Dietrich Bonhoeffer • Poem: “Who Am I?” – Bonhoeffer • The McShane Bible Reading Plan • Read The Dad Tir

In this episode, Jerrad talks with speaker and coach Pedro LaTorre. Pedro shares how childhood trauma, performance addiction, and constant busyness kept him from being present as a husband and father. He  shares  about the healing journey that changed everything—his marriage, his parenting, and his view of God. Through it all, he learned how to feel again and finally stepped into the kind of man God had been calling him to be.What You’ll hear: • How emotional wounds from childhood shaped Pedro’s identity • Why performance can look spiritual but still be toxic • How healing helped him stop striving and start connecting • What changed in his marriage when he finally got honest • Why most men avoid their heart—and how to stop running • What it means to live free as a son of God, not a performer Healing is possible—and it leads to freedom in every part of your life. Episode Resources:1.The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd2.Ten Man Ministries: tenmanministries.org 3.The Eight Feelings Chart – via Ten Man Ministries

Jerrad and Chris Hilkin, continue the Q&A series by answering real questions from listeners about marriage, sexuality, church life, and the Holy Spirit. Chris gives honest, biblical responses to topics that many Christian men wrestle with but rarely talk about.What You’ll hear: • What is off limits in the bedroom for married couples • Why church membership matters for spiritual growth • How to understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit • What the Bible says about cremation and burial • Why accountability and clarity are essential in a local church • How to stay rooted in truth while navigating complex topicsTune in to hear  the answers you need to stay faithful in the real world.Episode Resources Bible passages: 1 Corinthians 6,  Ephesians 4, Romans 12, Acts 2, Hebrews 4 Ask a question anonymously: dadtired.com/question Support the Dad Tired ministry: dadtired.com/donate Range Leather – 15% off: rangeleather.com/dadtired – Code: DADTIRED Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Invite Jerrad to spe

In this episode, Kaleb shares how the wilderness seasons of life—times of emotional fog, spiritual dryness, and personal struggle—can shape Christian men into stronger spiritual leaders. Drawing from his personal experience as a husband, foster dad, and pastor, Kaleb walks through Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and how men today can resist the same lies about relevance, performance, and power.Key Topics Covered:Navigating trials with faith, not passivityJesus’ three temptations: relevance, being spectacular, and powerHow identity in Christ helps men resist performance-based livingThe value of prayer, scripture, and devotion in hard seasonsPraying Ephesians 6 and resisting the enemy dailyPersonal reflections on foster care, depression, and spiritual warfareBible References:Matthew 4:1–11James 4:7Ephesians 6:10–18Psalm 91John 6:35Mentioned Resources & Concepts:Henry Nouwen’s framework for Jesus’ temptationsAugustine and Luther on resisting the devilMartin Lloyd-Jones on spiritual warfareDaily prayer pr