Dad Tired

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with singer, songwriter, and podcast host Matthew West for a conversation about the pain, pressure, and beauty of being a dad. They talk about sending kids off to college, handling public criticism, and the challenge of staying emotionally present at home when everything pulls you elsewhere. Matthew shares what he’s learned about vulnerability, regret, and learning to slow down. He opens up about how his identity as a father has been shaped by grace.What You’ll hear:• Why letting go of your kids is harder than anyone tells you• What Matthew wishes he had done differently as a young dad• How to stay soft-hearted in a world that wants you to harden up• Why words of encouragement matter more than you think• What it looks like to lead your family with humility and joyTune in to learn how to show up, speak life, and lead with their heart as a dad.Episode Resources Matthew West’s podcast: The Matthew West Podcast Song reference: “18 Summers” by Matthew WestThe Five Love Languages b

Jerrad and Chris continue the Q&A series with another round of  listener-submitted questions. They talk about creation, sexuality, science, theology, and what it looks like to think biblically about topics many men avoid or feel confused about.What You’ll hear: • Where Cain and Abel got their wives • Why people lived longer in the Old Testament • Whether dinosaurs lived at the same time as humans • How old the earth might be according to the Bible • If masturbation is ever okay in marriage • The key difference between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians • Why God created Satan and allows evil • What to make of the Shroud of Turin 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://amzn.to/3YTz4GB • Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com • Book mentioned: Letters and Papers from Prison – Dietrich Bonhoeffer • Gap theory resource: John Lennox on

Kaleb Allen continues the wilderness series with a deep look at confusion and spiritual frustration. He explains why these moments are not a sign that something is broken, but often a sign that God is doing deeper work. Kaleb draws from the lives of Elijah, John the Baptist, Moses, and the writings of John of the Cross and C.S. Lewis to help men make sense of what they are going through.What You’ll hear: • What to do when life feels foggy, unclear, and hard to explain • Why God sometimes withholds comfort to give us clarity • How to recognize false expectations you have placed on God • Why spiritual dryness is not always about sin • What it means to trust God’s heart when you cannot trace His hand • How rest, surrender, and time lead to renewed perspectiveIf you are feeling spiritually stuck, emotionally flat, or unsure what God is doing. The wilderness has purpose. You are not alone in it.Episode Resources:The Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed – C.S. Lewis Dark Night of the Soul – St. John of the Cross Ex

 In this episode, Jerrad challenges dads to stop parenting with a one-size-fits-all mindset and start leading their families like true shepherds. After noticing something during a conversation with his kids, he shares what it means to know each member of your household individually and lead them with intentional care. You’ll hear: • Why blanket commands and zone defense don’t work in fatherhood • What Jesus modeled through one-on-one moments with Zacchaeus, Peter, and the woman at the well • How to recognize your role as a spiritual leader in your home • Why every member of your family needs a unique plan and goal • Practical questions to assess where your wife and kids are spiritually • A step-by-step approach to shepherding each heart in your home Tune in to learn how to stop guessing and start leading. The sheep God gave you need more than discipline and direction. They need to be known.  Episode Resources:Jesus Storybook Bible: jesusstorybookbible.com The Good Book Company (Tales That Tell the Truth serie

In this first episode of the Q&A series, Jerrad and Chris respond to real questions submitted by men at the Dad Tired retreat. They talk through theology, lifestyle, and personal struggles with clarity, honesty, and a focus on biblical truth.What You’ll hear: • What hell actually is and whether God is present there • Do you have to be baptized to be saved? • Is gambling or sports betting always sinful? • Does the Tower of Babel say anything about space exploration? • Can Christians smoke cigars or drink alcohol? • Should believers use profanity, and how does Scripture speak to it?Tune in to get honest answers to real questions so you can lead your family with conviction, not confusion.Ask your own question: dadtired.com/questionReferenced: Philippians 2, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 6, James, Ephesians, Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) Range Leather – 15% off: rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIRED Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com Support Dad Tir

Kaleb Allen launches the wilderness series speaking directly to you who feels dry, spiritually empty, or confused. He teaches the difference between seasons we choose and those God leads us into. These teaching is drawn from John of the Cross, the life of Jesus, and Kaleb's own experience. This message is for you who is doing everything right on the outside but still feel like something is missing.What You’ll hear: • Why doing all the right things doesn’t always make you feel right • What an “active” vs. “passive” wilderness season looks like • Why God may be withdrawing comfort to produce something deeper • How the Spirit uses detachment to refine your desires • Why you can’t discipline your way out of spiritual dryness • What it means to persevere when everything feels dull or distantTune in to learn how to walk with God through the dry places. The wilderness won’t last forever—but it will shape you if you let it. Episode Resources:• Dark Night of the Soul – John of the Cross • John 4, Luke 4, 1 Kings 19, P

 In this episode, Jerrad  shares what it really means to lead your marriage. He talks about the call to love your wife like Christ loves the church. He shares moments from his own marriage and explains how that love is more than romance or duty. It’s sacrifice, forgiveness, and intentional spiritual leadership. What You’ll hear: • What it actually means to love sacrificially, not just kindly • How intimacy grows when forgiveness becomes a lifestyle • Why your marriage is meant to reflect God's love to the world • How to pursue your wife emotionally, spiritually, and practically • What servant-hearted leadership looks like day to day • How confession and sanctification shape both husband and wifeTune in to discover how a gospel-centered marriage isn’t about perfection. It’s about faithfulness, sacrifice, and showing your family what the love of Jesus really looks like.Episode Resources:• Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB • Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate • Join the Dad Tired Community: da

In this episode, Jerrad speaks directly to busy dads who feel stretched thin. He shares how the chaos of life, especially in a new season, can cause us to drift from what matters most. Jerrad walks through how to refocus on your mission, identify distractions, and start making space for what God has actually called you to do.What You’ll hear:• How to reset your priorities when life feels blurry• Why physical clutter often reflects inner clutter• How Jesus modeled saying no to good things for the sake of the mission• Why most distractions aren’t sinful but still harmful• A simple way to evaluate your time and get clarity• How to craft a short, clear mission statement for this seasonTune in to get focused, clear, and back on track with the mission God has given you as a husband, father, and disciple.Episode Resources:Thrive Family Life (Pop + Play game and more): thrivefamilylife.com — Use promo code DADTIRED for 10% offDad Tired Conferences: dadtired.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBSupport D

In this episode, Jerrad talks with Newt Crenshaw, President and CEO of Young Life. They discuss what Gen Z and Gen Alpha are really searching for, based on a global study conducted by Young Life. Newt shares what the research revealed about identity, relationships, and the deep need for connection in a world shaped by screens, pressure, and isolation.What You’ll hear:• Why 40% of young people don’t feel worthy of love• What kids actually want from adults in their lives• How social media affects boys and girls differently• Why moms are still the top go-to, and why dads matter too• What makes faith a key part of emotional and relational health• How you can be a stable presence in a young person’s lifeTune in to learn how you can show up for the next generation—starting with the kids in your own home. Episode Resources:Learn more about Young Life: younglife.orgRead the Relat(able) Study: younglife.org/relatable Volunteer with Young Life: younglife.org/get-involved Dad Tired Annual Retreat at Young Life’s Carolin

In this episode, Jerrad invites you to pray. He knows how easy it is to carry pressure, to lead from exhaustion, and to forget who you are. You start performing. You stop listening. You lead on autopilot.Through the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer, Jerrad walks with you through a simple moment of surrender. A chance to reset your heart and remember that you are first a son, not a leader. You were never meant to carry this on your own.You’ll hear:• Why your prayer life shows who you trust• How to release control and rest in God’s care• What it means to ask for provision one day at a time• How to pray honestly when you're tired or unsure• Why the strength to lead begins with stillnessTune in to remember who you belong to.Episode Resources:Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Support Dad Tired: dadtired.com/donate Learn more about Dad Tired events: dadtired.com Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com Reformation Heritage Books – Puritan Treasures for Today: heritagebooks.org/puritantr

In this episode, Jerrad talks with Grammy-winning artist Zach Williams. They walk through Zach’s journey of addiction, identity, and coming to faith later in life. Zach shares how God pursued him, how that changed his family, and what parenting looks like now that grace is part of the picture.What You’ll hear: • How Zach went from a rock band and addiction to faith and family • What changed when he gave his life to Christ in 2012 • How shame, fear, and regret showed up even after salvation • Why grace became a key part of his parenting • What he’s learning about raising teens in a distracted world • The story behind his new children’s book and why it mattersThis is an honest conversation about sin, surrender, and how God keeps writing your story no matter where you start.Episode  Resources:Zach Williams' children's book: A Little More Like Jesus, A Little Less Like Me Song: “Less Like Me” – Zach Williams Follow Zach's tour: zachwilliamsmusic.com/tour Footballin’ with Ben Roethlisberger (Podcast on YouTube) Da

In this episode, Chris Hilken shares how to walk with your child through grief. After losing his wife and becoming a single dad of five, Chris learned how to comfort his children while grieving himself. He speaks from experience and gives a simple plan to help you guide your kids in moments of pain, loss, and confusion. What You’ll hear:• How to be present when your child is hurting• What to say when there are no easy answers• How grief affects a child over time• A simple way to walk through both emotion and truth• Why you do not need to fix it, but you should not ignore it• How to disciple your child in the middle of deep pain Tune in to walk with your child through sorrow with care without feeling lost in the process. Episode Resources: Reformation Heritage Books – Puritan Treasures for Today: heritagebooks.org/puritantreasures — Code: DADTIRED Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Dad Tired Annual Retreat: https://www.dadtired.com/retreat Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comConfer

In this episode, Jerrad reflects on how easy it is to forget our need for God when life is going well. Spiritual drift often begins when life feels stable. When things are good,prayer becomes rare. Hunger for God's Word slows down. You stop leading with purpose. Through personal stories and Scripture, Jerrad explores why good times may be more dangerous than hard ones.What You’ll hear: • Why comfort can make you stop praying • What David’s story teaches about success and failure • How spiritual laziness sneaks in during calm seasons • Why dependence on God is a daily choice • What happens when you let your guard down • How to stay alert and focused when life feels easyTune in to remember who brought you to where you are and why you still need Him today.Episode Resources:Range Leather (15% off): rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIRED Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB Support Dad Tired: https://www.dadtired.com/donate Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com Join the community: dad

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Pastor Douglas Wilson to talk about biblical discipline. They focus on what it takes to build a joyful home. Pastor Wilson explains how to lead your children with love and authority. He shares why short accounts matter. He also teaches how joy is restored when sin is dealt with quickly.What You’ll hear: • Why discipline begins with the parent’s own heart • How to keep short accounts in marriage and parenting • What it means to restore a child to joy after discipline • Why household culture matters more than parenting technique • How to train sons with clarity and strength • What it looks like to shape your home around joy and repentanceTune in to learn how loving discipline is one of the clearest ways to reflect God’s heart to your children.Episode  Resources:1.Books by Douglas Wilson: Standing on the Promises, Future Men, Why Children Matter, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, The Case for Classical Christian Education 2.Canon Press: canonpress.com 3. Canon+ App for

In this episode, Jerrad talks with recording artist Jordan Feliz about learning when to say no. They discuss the pressure men feel to perform, provide, and please everyone. Jordan shares how therapy, parenting, and a demanding career helped him learn the value of limits. He also shares how trusting God with his time has changed the way he leads at home.What You’ll hear: • Why most men say yes out of fear • What it looks like to lead from rest, not pressure • How to know when a “no” is healthy • What Jordan’s therapist taught him about priorities • Why kids need your presence more than your perfection • How knowing your identity in Christ changes what you say yes toTune in to get clear on what matters most and what you may need to leave behind.Episode Resources:Dad Tired Annual Retreat: https://www.dadtired.com/retreatUK Dad Tired Retreat Info: https://www.dadtired.ukDinnertime Discussion Cards: https://www.dadtired.comRange Leather (15% off): https://rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIREDRead The Dad Tire

Jordan Raynor joins Jerrad for a practical conversation about heaven. They talk about the most common questions kids ask and why many adults still carry false ideas about eternity. Jordan explains what Scripture actually says and how the new Earth changes everything about how we parent and lead.What You’ll hear:• Why most people have a wrong view of heaven• What kids really want to know about eternity• How to talk about the new Earth in a simple way• Why worship is more than singing• What the Bible says about animals, work, and relationships in heaven• How a clearer view of eternity changes your purpose now Tune in to learn how to talk about heaven with truth and confidence. Episode Resources:Book: The Royal in You by Jordan RaynorBook: Heaven by Randy AlcornBook: Surprised by Hope by N. T. WrightBook: The Sacredness of Secular Work by Jordan RaynorIsaiah 11, Isaiah 60, Isaiah 65, Revelation 21–22Dinnertime Discussion Cards: https://www.dadtired.comDwell Bible App (25% off): https://dwellbible.com/dadtiredRea

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Steel Billings, Head of AI Strategy at Glue. They talk about how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we parent, lead, and live. Steel breaks down what AI actually is, what it means for the next generation, and how Christian parents can prepare their kids for a digital future.What You’ll hear: • What every dad needs to understand about AI • Why parenting in this era takes new levels of awareness • How to talk to your kids about AI, emotions, and identity • What’s at risk when kids form emotional bonds with machines • Why you don’t need to fear AI, but you do need to be wise • How to use new tools while holding on to God’s designTune in to learn how to lead your family  in a fast-changing world.Episode Resources:Learn more about Glue and faith + AI initiatives: gloo.us/aiJoin the AI & the Church Hackathon: gloo.us/hackathonBarna x Glue Research on Parenting and AI: barna.comDwell Bible App (25% off): dwellbible.com/dadtiredCSB Men’s Daily Study Bible (50% off):

In this episode, Jerrad talks with worship leader and songwriter Stephen McWhirter. Stephen shares how a childhood of abuse and a decade of addiction nearly destroyed his life. He opens up about how Jesus met him in the middle of it all and changed everything. This is a story of redemption, healing, and the kind of grace that goes deeper than our past. What You’ll hear: • How Stephen’s view of God was shaped by an abusive father • What it looked like to run from religion and numb the pain • How Jesus met him during a meth addiction • Why true repentance leads to freedom, not shame • What it means to forgive without excusing harm • How his family, music, and message were transformedTune in to see why no one is too far gone and how God can write a better story than we ever imagined.Episode Resources:Stephen’s website: worshipjesus.lifeSong: “Come Jesus Come” by Stephen McWhirterBook: The Case for Christ by Lee StrobelBook (Upcoming): Stephen’s testimony, published by ZondervanTour Dates with Maverick City Music

 Dr. Juli Slattery joins Jerrad for an honest conversation about sex and intimacy in marriage. They cover the questions most men want to ask but often avoid. Juli brings grace, and a biblical framework for how to understand sex. She reminds us it is not just a physical act. It is a spiritual gift. What You’ll hear: • Why sexual struggles are often spiritual struggles • How to define healthy intimacy in marriage • What real faithfulness looks like in thought and action • Why many couples feel stuck or ashamed in this area • How men and women experience sex differently • Why intimacy takes more than performance or frequencyTune in to better understand how to lead with love and build intimacy with patience.Episode Resources:Authentic Intimacy (Juli’s ministry): authenticintimacy.comBook: God, Sex, and Your Marriage by Dr. Juli SlatteryPodcast: Java with JuliResource: Online Book Studies for Couples — authenticintimacy.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBInvite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlo

Jerrad sits down with Shane Winnings, former law enforcement officer and CEO of Promise Keepers, to talk about integrity, obedience, and spiritual leadership. Shane shares his story of walking away from career and comfort to follow God's call. They talk about how small, unseen acts of obedience shape the kind of man you become.What You’ll hear: • Why obedience starts with small decisions • How God used street ministry to build boldness • What it means to be faithful in daily life • How to lead your home with clarity and conviction • Why tenderness and strength must go together • What Shane has learned from evangelism, fatherhood, and leading menTune in to be reminded that big callings begin with small, consistent yes-es. Episode  Resources:Follow Shane Winnings on Instagram: @shanewinningsLearn more about Promise Keepers and register for the August event: promisekeepers.orgRange Leather (15% off): rangeleather.com/dadtired — Code: DADTIREDBond Charge (Wellness + Recovery gear, 15% off): bondcharge.com — Code: