Dad Tired

What if God actually wants to talk to you today?Not in a dramatic, spiritual, churchy way—but in the middle of your real life. In this episode, Jerrad explores the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 and the surprising way God speaks—not through wind, fire, or earthquakes, but through a gentle whisper.If your life feels loud, chaotic, or overwhelming, this episode is a simple invitation to slow down, listen, and rediscover the quiet voice of God.Practice for today:Take one minute of silence and ask God, “What do You want to say to me today?”Because strong families begin with healed men.

Today's Sponsors: Backgate Prayers (promo code DTNECKLACE) & Cozy Earth (promo code DADTIREDBOGO)Why does real life feel boring sometimes?Why does your phone feel more exciting than prayer, your marriage, or even God?In this episode, we talk about dopamine—the brain’s reward system—and how our world has hijacked it with cheap, artificial pleasures. From scrolling and porn to sugar and streaming, we’ve trained our souls to crave fireworks instead of candles.Jerrad shares stories, Scripture, and practical wisdom to help men understand what’s happening in their brains and hearts—and how to slowly retrain their desires toward the kind of joy God actually designed.If you’ve felt tired, numb, or disconnected from God and your family, this episode will help you name what’s happening and take your first step toward healing.

What happens when you don’t deal with what’s going on inside you?In this episode, we explore how suppressed emotions show up physically in your body, why science is finally catching up to what Scripture has always taught, and how naming what you feel can actually lead to healing.If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” when you weren’t, this one’s for you.

You don’t have to carry everything you’re holding.In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad leads a short guided exercise to help you notice what you’re carrying—and discern what God never asked you to hold in the first place. Together, we explore how responsibility, survival, and old wounds can quietly pile up, and how Scripture invites us to cast our burdens on the Lord.This is a quiet, practical moment of soul care for tired men who want to walk a little lighter today.

Today we’re talking about how dads can make their wife and kids feel loved at a cellular level.In the Gospels, Jesus often touched people before He healed them. Lepers. The blind. Children. Touch came first—then transformation.Modern science is now confirming what Scripture has always shown: a simple, intentional hug releases oxytocin, lowers stress, and builds emotional safety. Especially when it comes from a dad.If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say when your child is overwhelmed—or how to connect with your wife without fixing or performing—this episode is for you.Sometimes the most spiritual leadership doesn’t sound like anything at all.Sometimes it looks like staying close.

There’s a difference between remembering your past and being haunted by it.In this episode, I talk about the narrow road of discipleship—between spiritual amnesia and shame—and why God actually calls us to look back from time to time. Not to punish ourselves, but to remember His faithfulness.When we look back the right way, one of two things happens:Gratitude, when we see how far God has brought us.Repentance, when we realize we’ve drifted or stalled.What it should never lead to is shame.Conviction is an invitation from God.Shame is a verdict from the enemy.If you’re growing, let gratitude fuel you forward.If you feel further from God than ever, today is the day to return—not to hide.Jesus is still inviting you back.

What happens when God interrupts the dream you worked your whole life to build?In this episode of the Dad Tired Podcast, Jerrad sits down with country music songwriter and artist Drew Parker for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had.Drew shares his journey from writing number one songs, touring stadiums, and chasing success—to realizing he was spiritually immature, driven by insecurity, and living for approval. Then came a prayer asking God to be unmistakably clear… and five days later, an answer he couldn’t ignore.Together, we talk about:The quiet lie that drives many menFame, insecurity, and the need to prove yourselfWhat spiritual immaturity looks like in grown menWhy men are afraid to be fully knownFatherhood, obedience, and legacyWhat changes when a man finally takes God seriouslyThis episode is for the man who loves Jesus—but knows something deeper is missing.Strong families begin with healed men.Today's Sponsor: KidsGoBible.com

Most men aren’t unloving — we’re just under-trained in empathy.In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad shares a personal moment from his marriage and unpacks why empathy is so hard for many men. From childhood survival patterns to chronic stress and the fear that empathy equals agreement, he walks through five common blockers that keep men emotionally distant from their wives and kids.Then he offers one simple, practical way to grow empathy this week — not by fixing, preaching, or escaping — but by learning to pause, name emotions, and stay present just a little longer than feels comfortable.Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s a muscle. And it can be grown.

Most of my prayers stay in my head.In today’s episode, I share a small but meaningful shift I’m making this year: praying out loud every day—especially for my wife and kids.We talk about Scripture, real life, and even some psychology behind why a calm, spoken prayer can bring peace and safety to those around us.This isn’t about performing or sounding spiritual.It’s about letting prayer move from thought to voice.Question to consider:What would it look like for you to pray out loud today—just once?

How do you know if you’re actually resting… or just checking out?In today’s Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad talks about the difference between restorative, soul-level rest and numbing behaviors that help us escape but don’t actually restore us.Most men aren’t lazy — they’re tired. And when we don’t know how to rest, we reach for things that temporarily quiet the noise but leave us more exhausted the next day.This episode will help you:Discern rest vs. numbing in everyday lifeUnderstand why numbing works short-term but drains you long-termLearn what real, boring, restorative rest actually looks likePractice a simple way to help your soul slow downInspired by Psalm 23 and Jesus’ invitation to rest.Rested men lead their families well.

Register for the Dadology Conference for DadsWhat if you’re not lazy…What if you’re just tired?In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad talks about why rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Drawing from military training, Scripture, and real life as a husband and dad, he unpacks why exhaustion quietly undermines our leadership at home and how learning to rest can actually protect the mission God has given us.You’ll hear:Why elite military teams train themselves to rest under pressureHow exhaustion impacts your decisions, presence, and relationshipsWhy Jesus prioritizes rest for weary menA simple, practical “micro-Sabbath” you can practice anywhere, anytimeThis isn’t about doing less because you don’t care.It’s about resting on purpose so you can lead well.Key Scripture:Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Simple Practice:Take one minute today. Feet on the ground. Slow inhale. Longer exhale. Ask God for rest—not more answers.Rested men lead their families well.

Most men want to love their wives and kids well—but still feel stuck, disconnected, or misunderstood.In this episode of the Dad Tired Podcast, Jerrad sits down with Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, to talk about the deeper issue beneath most marriage and parenting struggles:👉 We’re often loving sincerely—but in the wrong language.Together, they explore:Why effort doesn’t always translate to emotional connectionThe difference between loving sacrificially and loving manipulativelyHow unresolved childhood wounds affect how men give and withhold loveWhy empathy feels threatening to many men—and how to build itHow dads can discover and speak each child’s unique love languageWhat quality time really looks like in a distracted worldThe love language that actually matters most (and it’s not yours)This conversation is honest, practical, gospel-centered, and deeply encouraging for husbands and fathers who want a growing marriage, not a perfect one.🎧 Listen, take notes, and ask yourself:Do the people closest to me actually feel loved?Today's Sponsor: Cozy Earth (use promo code DADTIRED for an exclusive discount)

Host a Dad Tired Conference at Your Church Some days don’t fall apart because of one big thing.They fall apart because of a hundred small ones.The gas light comes on.The kids spill something.The ice cream cone hits the floor.Nothing catastrophic happens… and yet everything feels heavy.In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, we talk about what psychologists call negativity bias—the way our brains are wired to fixate on what’s going wrong instead of what’s going right. It’s not because you’re ungrateful or negative. It’s because your brain is trained to look for threats.But here’s the good news: what you pay attention to, your brain prioritizes.Scripture tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and “Forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Gratitude isn’t about pretending things are great. It’s about retraining your soul to remember what’s good—even on hard days.Today’s Practice:Before your day gets rolling, list three things you’re thankful for.They don’t have to be profound. Just real.Gratitude rewires your brain.It lowers stress.It restores perspective.And it helps you show up a little more healed for the people you love.Strong families begin with healed men.

Today's Sponsor: ToyBox 3D Printers In today’s episode, we talk about wine, anesthesia, and the quiet ways men numb pain instead of feeling it.As Jesus was led to the cross, He was offered wine to dull the pain. He refused it. Not because the pain didn’t matter — but because He chose to fully feel the weight He was carrying.Many men don’t explode emotionally.They disappear.Instead of anger, they feel numb.Instead of emotion, they feel distance.Instead of presence, they reach for distraction.Scrolling.Drinking.Porn.Overworking.Anything that keeps the feelings at bay.In this episode, we explore what it looks like to stop numbing and start feeling again — not all at once, not perfectly, but honestly. Because when you begin to feel, you begin to heal. And healed men become present men.In This Episode:Why emotional numbness is just as serious as emotional blowupsThe overlooked moment when Jesus refused wine on the way to the crossHow men practice “avoidant coping” without realizing itThe cost of numbing out on marriage, fatherhood, and presenceA simple one-minute practice to begin feeling againToday’s One-Minute Practice:Instead of asking, “What am I feeling?”Ask this:“What am I avoiding feeling today?”Sit with it.Name it.Don’t numb it.You don’t need to fix everything.You just need to stay present.Strong families begin with healed men.

Today's Sponsor: ToyBox 3D Printers Have you ever said, “I don’t know what happened — I just snapped”?In today’s episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad explores why men don’t actually go from calm to out of control in an instant — even though it feels that way. Using a simple (and memorable) analogy about teleportation and flying cars, this episode explains how stress builds gradually in the nervous system long before a blowup ever happens.This episode is about learning to notice the early warning signs — the off-ramps — so you can tend your inner world before frustration spills onto the people you love most.This is daily inner hygiene — small, practical awareness that helps men lead with steadiness instead of reaction.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the nervous system doesn’t jump from “zero to 100”How stress and anger actually escalate in stagesThe physical and emotional warning signs most men missWhy reactions often feel sudden — even when they aren’tHow Scripture calls men to tend and guard their inner worldOne simple daily practice to reduce reactivity at home and workScripture ReferencedProverbs 4:23 (ESV)“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”Today’s Inner Hygiene PracticeBefore transitioning from one part of your day to another —car → workwork → meetingdriveway → homePause for one minute and ask yourself:“What am I feeling right now?”Name it without fixing it:tiredirritatedoverwhelmedanxioushungrytenseResearch shows that simply naming an emotion helps reduce its intensity and brings clarity back online. This small act of awareness can prevent bigger reactions later.Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17576282/

Today's Sponsor: ToyBox 3D PrintersWelcome to the very first episode of Dad Tired Daily — a short, intentional daily reset designed to help men tend their inner world so they can show up more healed for their families, work, and communities.In this episode, Jerrad introduces the heart behind Dad Tired Daily and explores an often-overlooked reality: while much attention has (rightly) been given to a mother’s mental load, many fathers are quietly carrying deep emotional strain with little language or support.Drawing from recent research, real-world stories, and Scripture, this episode invites dads to stop carrying heavy things alone — and to begin practicing simple inner hygiene, daily care for the soul.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy fathers often carry mental and emotional strain in silenceThe cultural stigma that keeps men from talking about mental healthA real story illustrating the hidden cost of untreated distress in menWhy Scripture invites us to bring what’s hidden into the lightResearch showing how a father’s mental health impacts his childrenOne small, practical step you can take today to show up more healedScripture ReferencedHebrews 4:12–13 (ESV)“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword… and no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”Today’s Inner Hygiene PracticeAsk yourself:What is one thing I’m carrying today that I haven’t told anyone about?Reach out to one trusted friend and say something simple like:“I’m not looking for advice — I just need to say this out loud.”Bringing something into the light often reduces its power — and reminds us we’re not meant to carry things alone.Why This MattersResearch increasingly shows that a father’s mental and emotional health has a direct impact on his children — even before birth. Unaddressed stress, depression, or emotional dysregulation in fathers is associated with challenges in children’s emotional regulation, social skills, cognitive development, and overall well-being.Strong families don’t begin with perfect dads — they begin with healed men willing to tend their inner world.Referenced Research & ReportingJAMA Pediatrics (2024) — Meta-analysis of 84 studies showing associations between paternal mental distress around pregnancy/postpartum and poorer social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development in children.Hutchinson et al., Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.Pacific Clinics — Reporting on paternal mental health, noting that nearly half of men experiencing mental health challenges never speak to anyone about it, and highlighting higher suicide rates among men.The 74 Million — Coverage on how paternal stress and mental health influence child development and family systems.News reporting on professional athletes and paternal suicide — Illustrating how many men struggle silently, even those closest to us never knew they were in pain.

Confession can bring healing—or devastation—depending on how it’s done.In this episode, I speak directly to men who are carrying secrets in their marriage and feel torn between honesty and fear. If you’ve ever thought, “If she really knew me, everything might fall apart,” this conversation is for you.Drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and walking alongside other men on the healing path, I explain why secrets rob us of intimacy, joy, and peace—and why impulsive confession can actually cause more harm than healing.This isn’t about dumping your shame on your spouse.It’s about learning how to confess wisely, lovingly, and with a plan.I also speak directly to wives who may be listening, offering perspective, compassion, and clarity in the midst of fear and uncertainty.This is a heavy episode—but it’s also an invitation to freedom, wholeness, and a deeper experience of the gospel in your marriage.Today's Sponsors:TheOneYearBible & Cozy Earth 

If you’ve ever noticed that when life gets hard you tend to pull away from God ; numb out, isolate, distract, or try to fix everything on your own, this episode is for you.As we head into a new year, Jerrad shares a personal story from a father-son race that turned into a moment of crisis… and how it revealed something deeply true about all of us: pressure exposes our reputation.In this episode, we contrast our instinct to hide with God’s consistent reputation throughout Scripture; a God who keeps drawing near to broken, messy people again and again. From the garden of Eden to the life of Jesus to the promise of God’s Spirit within us, the story is clear:When chaos hits, God doesn’t withdraw. He comes closer.This is an invitation to stop hiding, and start trusting God’s reputation more than your instincts.What You’ll LearnWhy crisis and hardship reveal who we really areHow shame, fear, and even success cause men to hide from GodWhat Scripture shows us about God’s reputation from Genesis to RevelationWhy men often turn away from God when they need Him mostA simple, embodied practice to help you turn toward God instead of numbing outWhat it looks like to come out of hiding as a husband, father, and discipleKey Takeaways• Pressure reveals reputation.You don’t really know what’s inside until life turns up the heat.• Our instinct is to hide.From fig leaves to distraction to self-reliance, men tend to pull away when things get hard.• God’s reputation is nearness.Again and again in Scripture, God draws closer — even in rebellion, failure, and fear.• Healing begins with turning toward God.Not after you fix yourself. Not after you “do better.” Right where you are.• Strong families begin with healed men.Men who stop hiding and learn to trust God’s presence change everything downstream.Resources MentionedSponsor: Dwell Bible AppListen to Scripture anywhere and stay connected to God’s Word in real lifedwellbible.com/dadtiredMake a donation to support the ministry and help more men find healing.

Ever had something small go wrong and suddenly you’re spiraling into insecurity, shame, or old stories you thought you were done with? Yeah… me too. Today I share a simple moment in my kitchen that unexpectedly poked an old wound and sent me into a whole internal narrative about not being good enough.But this episode isn’t really about caulking a backsplash.It’s about the lies men believe, the wounds we carry into adulthood, and why healing matters way more than we think.In this episode we talk about:• How tiny moments trigger big wounds• Why our brains write stories we never chose• How men often cope through numbing, distancing, or performing• What “intimacy disorder” really means• How Jesus meets us in our pain and speaks truth• Why healed men become better husbands, fathers, and friends• Why your healing is never just for you—it’s for the missionWe also finish Step 7 of the Seven Steps of Discipleship:pouring your life into someone else.From Genesis to Jesus’ final words, God has always called men to expand His kingdom, not retreat into self-protection.Strong families begin with healed men.Strong men begin by telling the truth.And healed men are sent men.Download the free 7 Steps of Discipleship PDF: dadtired.com/7stepsJoin us at the Dadology Conference (San Diego): dadtired.com/dadologyPartner with Dad Tired as we close out the year: dadtired.com/donateRite of Passage Alaska Trip (for dads + teenage sons) — limited spots Host a One-Day Dad Tired Conference at your church: dadtired.com/conferenceToday's Sponsor: One Year Bible

Father + Son Alaska Trip 2026If you’ve ever felt exhausted as a dad — like you’re genuinely trying but something still feels “off” — today’s episode is going to give you language, clarity, and a fresh blueprint for fatherhood.I sit down with Jeremy Pryor, one of the leading voices on shaping a multigenerational family on mission. Jeremy argues that most modern dads are using a brand-new cultural blueprint for family… and it’s not working.This conversation is full of hope, honesty, and practical steps to help you create a home your kids will want to belong to for generations.What You’ll LearnWhy the modern Western family structure is historically unusual — and often ineffectiveThe biblical blueprint for family that leads to connection, mission, and long-term joyThe power of three generations at one tableHow to win your child’s heart through simple weekly rhythmsWhy intentional dads must play both offense and defense in today’s cultureHow to protect your child spiritually in a world full of digital “portals”What it looks like to raise kids who stay connected long after they leave your homeKey Takeaways• Strong families begin with healed men.You cannot lead your home if you’re disconnected from Jesus or from your own heart.• Ideas matter.Most dads inherited a blueprint that leads to isolation — not mission.• Connection is built through rhythm, not random effort.Weekly feasts, 1:1 traditions, family stories, and regular check-ins matter.• Your kids need your protection — spiritually, emotionally, digitally.Today’s culture demands intentional defense, not passive hope.• Legacy starts now.You’re building something your grandkids will feel — whether intentionally or by default.Resources MentionedFree Step 6 PDF: dadtired.com/7stepsJeremy Pryor’s Family Teams Resources: familyteams.comJeremy’s Book: Family RevisionSponsor: Backgate Prayers — Use code DADTIREDMake a donation to the ministry here.