Episodios

  • DA405 | Courageous Fatherhood, The Gift of Physical Touch, and Doing for One More Kid (Peter Ostapko)

    DA405 | Courageous Fatherhood, The Gift of Physical Touch, and Doing for One More Kid (Peter Ostapko)
    Oct 23 2025
    ✅ Why following Jesus is the most adventurous thing you'll ever do ✅ The often-overlooked power of physical touch with your kids ✅ How to build the deep brotherhood every dad desperately needs ✅ A game-changing challenge: Do for ONE kid outside your family what you do for your own LEAVE DADAWESOME A VOICEMAIL ✅ Under 90-seconds ✅ Begin with your first name and where you are from ✅ RECORD YOUR MESSAGE HERE SUMMARY Imagine standing at the edge of a 30-foot-high dive over ice-cold water with your son watching from below. That terrifying moment of decision mirrors what it means to be a risk-taking dad in today's world. In this episode, Peter Ostapko from Kinsman shares the cliff-jumping story that changed how he parents, plus powerful insights on the gift of physical touch with your kids, the critical importance of being present, and why every dad needs deep brotherhood. You'll also hear an unforgettable challenge: do for one kid outside your family what you do for your own kids. TAKEAWAYS Following Jesus as a father is meant to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, beautiful journey—not boring or safePhysical touch with your kids is a powerful gift that communicates love, safety, and connection in ways words cannotYour presence as a dad matters more than you realize—availability beats ability every timeDeep friendships and brotherhood are essential for the fatherhood journey; isolation is the enemyChallenge yourself to "do for one more kid" outside your family what you already do for your own kidsBeing a sower and planting seeds means showing up consistently without always seeing immediate resultsDon't place unrealistic expectations on your kids because you're trying to overcompensate for your own broken pastThe Kinsman Journal helps fathers unlock the power of their story and create spaces for authentic connection GUEST: Peter Ostapko is a leader with Kinsman, an intentional men's ministry focused on faithfully demonstrating redemptive, Christ-centered brotherhood. Kinsman creates resources including publishing, podcasting, and gatherings to influence men toward authentic connection and purposeful living. Peter is also the creator of the Kinsman Journal, a beautiful resource designed to help men unlock the power of their stories. He's a husband, father, and passionate advocate for helping dads build deep friendships and lead their families with courage and intentionality. LINKS: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesomeSubscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618Kinsman MinistryThe Kinsman Journal Fathered by God by John Eldredge TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction02:53 - The Cliff Jumping Story: Taking Risks as a Dad08:30 - Why Following Jesus Should Be Adventurous15:45 - The Gift of Physical Touch with Your Kids23:10 - Being Present: Your Availability Matters Most30:20 - Deep Brotherhood and Why Dads Need Friendship37:15 - The Kinsman Journal: Unlocking the Power of Story42:00 - Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself44:20 - The "Do for One More Kid" Challenge46:17 - Peter's Prayer Over Dads48:00 - Closing Thoughts & Resources 5 TOP QUOTES: "Following Jesus is to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, frightening, wonderfully beautiful, dependent, abiding thing we'll ever experience in our life.""The role of a father is the most important title, mantle, role you'll ever have in your entire life outside of being a spouse to your wife.""Do for one kid outside of your kids what you do for your kids. Be intentional with them. Invite them into dinners and love on them. You never know what some of these kids are going through.""We talk ourselves out of way too many things. God is on the other side saying, 'Listen, I got an adventure for you. Do you want to do this or not?' He doesn't force us. He invites us into it.""Your presence matters more than you realize. Just being available for your kid—that's what matters most."
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    49 m
  • DA404 | Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation, and Breaking Generational Patterns (Tyler Graham)

    DA404 | Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation, and Breaking Generational Patterns (Tyler Graham)
    Oct 16 2025
    When you're constantly hurrying from one thing to the next, it's almost impossible to be the dad you want to be. In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ The moment his son flinched and why it became the turning point ✅ How emotional regulation helps you stay in the "green zone" with your kids ✅ Why your role isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repenter ✅ The power of visioning your 80th birthday party (and reverse engineering it!) This conversation will challenge you to slow down, stay steady, and stop letting your kids catch the shrapnel. LEAVE A VOICE MESSAGE for DadAwesome - share your QUESTIONS here Summary: What happens when the pace of your life is stealing your ability to be present with your kids? In this episode, Tyler Graham shares the moment his son flinched when he sat down beside him—and how that changed everything. You'll hear why emotional regulation might be the most important skill any dad can develop, how living at three miles per hour creates space for real connection, and why being the chief repenter in your home is more powerful than being Superman. Takeaways: Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—setting the tone rather than reacting to it.When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel, and those moments leave lasting impressions.Emotional regulation is one of the most critical skills for fatherhood—learning to respond from the green zone instead of the red or blue.Vision is essential: imagine your child's eulogy or your 80th birthday party and reverse engineer the habits you need today.Your role as a dad isn't to be Superman—it's to be the chief repenter, modeling humility and grace for your kids. Guest Bio: Tyler Graham is a dad of six, founder of Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood, and a passionate advocate for helping fathers slow down and live at the pace of presence. Through coaching cohorts and resources, Tyler encourages dads to develop emotional regulation, break generational patterns, and build a compelling vision for their family's future. He lives with his wife and six kids on their homestead, where they're building a legacy rooted in connection, intentionality, and grace. Quotes "I cannot be the type of dad I want to be when I'm in a hurry." "When a dad blows up, the kids catch the shrapnel." "A dad's role is not to be Superman. A dad's role is to be the chief repenter." "Dads need to be the thermostat, not the thermometer—set the tone, don't react to it." "My son flinched when I sat down. That's when I knew something had to change." Links Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book Three Mile Per Hour Fatherhood (Tyler Graham's coaching): [website] The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero A Burning in My Bones by Eugene Peterson Jeremy Pryor and Family Teams
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    44 m
  • DA403 | Building the Overcome Muscle, Morning Rhythms with Your Kids, and Why Play Matters (Zac Ernst)

    DA403 | Building the Overcome Muscle, Morning Rhythms with Your Kids, and Why Play Matters (Zac Ernst)
    Oct 9 2025

    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

    1. "Your fear and worry right now is equivalent to your five-year-old worrying about taxes."
    2. "For a child, 15 minutes can be a lifelong memory. For us, it's a blink—but for them, it's forever."
    3. "The most vulnerable man on the sand is the strongest. Let's eliminate shallow conversation and get to the heart quickly."
    4. "Play isn't pointless—it's for joy. Men forget to have moments with no responsibility, no outcome, just pure fun."
    5. "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."
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    40 m
  • DA402 | Four Pillars of Manhood, Emotional Safety, and Getting to the Rocking Chair with Love (Josh Krehbiel)

    DA402 | Four Pillars of Manhood, Emotional Safety, and Getting to the Rocking Chair with Love (Josh Krehbiel)
    Oct 2 2025
    • How to pass the 4 pillars of manhood to your kids
    • Why celebrating vulnerability matters more than perfect discipline
    • How to normalize hard conversations about sex, money, and struggle
    • The long view: Becoming a tender-hearted grandpa starts now

    FULL SHOW NOTES

    LEARN about joining the Fall 2025 DadAwesome Accelerator Cohorts

    SUMMARY

    Some days you feel like a C-grade dad, and that's when presence matters most. In this episode, Josh Krehbiel shares how he's learning to create emotional safety for his kids, celebrate vulnerability over performance, and pursue the long view of becoming a tender-hearted grandfather. You'll hear about the four pillars of manhood, why crock-pot freedom beats microwave solutions, and how to get to the rocking chair with love on your heart.

    TAKEAWAYS
    • Marking moments matter: Creating manhood ceremonies and intentional milestones leaves lasting impressions on your kids, even if the follow-up isn't perfect.
    • Celebrate vulnerability first: When your kids fail or confess something hard, make it about their openness before addressing consequences—this builds emotional safety.
    • Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and be fueled by the future: These four pillars of manhood provide a framework for raising boys and girls with character.
    • Pursue purity as a top priority: The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection and have compassion without contamination.
    • Freedom is crock-pot, not microwave: Breakthrough comes through long-suffering love and staying present, not by trying to manhandle change.
    GUEST

    Josh Krehbiel is the lead founding pastor of Every Day Church in Roseville, Minnesota—a community focused on prayer, discipleship, and sending out leaders and movements. Along with his wife Katie, Josh is passionate about raising up the next generation through worship, ministry, and authentic family connection. They have four children: three teenagers and a five-year-old. Josh is also a songwriter and worship leader who believes in the power of declaring truth over families through music and prayer.

    LINKS

    • Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort

    • Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

    • Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book

    • Raising Modern-Day Knights by Robert Lewis

    • Everyday Church, Roseville, Minnesota

    QUOTES
    1. "When failure happens we celebrate the vulnerability first because the most important thing is connection and felt safety."
    2. "I want to get to the rocking chair with love on my heart and grandkids who say grandpa is kind."
    3. "Freedom doesn't happen through manhandling it happens through long suffering love and staying present in the crock pot not microwave."
    4. "Your kids don't feel safe because you think they're safe they feel safe when you celebrate their vulnerability over their performance."
    5. "The war for purity as a father protects your ability to show physical affection with compassion instead of contamination."
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    47 m
  • DA401 | Beyond Comfort Zones: A Father-Daughter Conversation on Risk, Faith, and Inheritance (George & Ambery Gourlay)

    DA401 | Beyond Comfort Zones: A Father-Daughter Conversation on Risk, Faith, and Inheritance (George & Ambery Gourlay)
    Sep 25 2025
    🌍 From South Africa to America—this father-daughter story will challenge everything you think about comfort, risk, and legacy. George moved his family across the world and his daughter Amberly just started grad school in Boston. Together they share: ✅ How one grandfather's radical encounter changed generations ✅ Why true security comes from identity, not circumstances ✅ The power of giving daughters space to be uncomfortable ✅ What it means to be a pioneering father in today's world SUMMARY: What happens when a father chooses courage over comfort and moves his family across the world to pioneer something new? In this episode, George Gourlay and his 23-year-old daughter Amberly share their story of leaving an established ministry in South Africa to start fresh in America. You'll hear how one grandfather's radical encounter with God shifted an entire family line, why security comes from identity rather than circumstances, and how giving daughters space to be uncomfortable actually draws them closer to their Heavenly Father. TAKEAWAYS One person's choice to choose God can literally change generations—the legacy you leave matters more than the comfort you keepTrue security for your children comes from pointing them back to their Heavenly Father rather than trying to be their ultimate providerPioneering requires vulnerability and risk, but it creates inheritance and legacy for those who come after youGive your daughters intentional affection and affirmation while also creating space for them to grow uncomfortable and dependent on GodThe long dull years of middle-aged prosperity can become excellent campaigning weather for the enemy—comfort can be your greatest threat to effectiveness GUESTS George Gourlay is the lead pastor who moved his family from Durban, South Africa to Northeast Florida in 2024. He served for 14 years in ministry leadership in South Africa, following in the footsteps of his father who had a radical encounter with God that transformed their family line. George is married to Leanne and has three children: Amberly (23), Luke (20), and Mitch (10). Amberly Gourlay is a 23-year-old graduate pursuing global studies and international relations in Boston. She delivered her university's commencement speech, challenging fellow graduates to choose courage over comfort with the heart of Isaiah's "here I am, send me." She's passionate about women's leadership in church and politics and embodies the pioneering spirit passed down through her family line. Top 5 Quotes: "One person's choice to choose God and one husband's choice to choose his wife and to choose his children literally changes generations." - Amberly Gourlay"The long dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil." - C.S. Lewis (quoted by George)"I have the privilege of a father who knows who our Father is in reality... He is not provider in and of itself, but he stewards what God provides." - Amberly Gourlay"You need to love Jesus even more than you love me... dad, what you're telling me is you love Jesus more than you love me. But it didn't matter because it was this bigger picture." - George reflecting on his father's words"As you begin to be uncomfortable and you have to go to God for things because your physical parents are far away, you begin to experience so much more of who He is." - Amberly Gourlay LINKS: Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book
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    51 m
  • DA400 | Celebrating 400 Episodes, Looking Back at God's Faithfulness, and the DADAWESOME Book Preview (Jeff Zaugg)

    DA400 | Celebrating 400 Episodes, Looking Back at God's Faithfulness, and the DADAWESOME Book Preview (Jeff Zaugg)
    Sep 18 2025

    Seven and a half years ago, a simple question on a cousin's patio changed everything: "How do you stay intentional as a dad?" That moment sparked what became 400 podcast conversations, over 1,000 men mobilized in activation events, and a million dollars raised for ministries serving the fatherless. In this milestone episode, Jeff celebrates by looking back at God's faithfulness, sharing the first-ever preview of the upcoming Dad Awesome book, and highlighting transformational moments from 16 unforgettable conversations that shaped this movement.

    Takeaways:
    • Milestone moments matter - Pausing to celebrate and shine the spotlight on what God has done builds faith for the journey ahead
    • Small yeses create waves - Dad Awesome wasn't built on one grand gesture but hundreds of small commitments to growth over eight years
    • Intentionality transforms everything - Just like discovering great coffee, small shifts in daily rhythms can revolutionize your entire approach to fatherhood
    • Stories cascade through generations - When dads point to God's goodness consistently, children naturally learn to do the same with their own kids
    • Community accelerates growth - The DA plus three model shows that fatherhood gets exponentially better when you're not doing it alone
    • Generosity reveals faith - Taking steps forward in generosity, whether with time, words, or resources, grows our trust in God's faithfulness
    Links:

    • Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort

    • Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

    • Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book

    • Clips from 16 DadAwesome Episodes:

    • 25 | Patei Iyegha

    • 38 | Pursuing Shalom, Chasing Dreams & Being All-On-Dad (Paul Hurckman)

    • 77 | Crafting Key Moments, Modeling KINDNESS & Praying with Desperation (Ryan Skoog)

    • 98 | Awaken The Warrior Heart (Pablo Ceron)

    • 137 | Spirit-Filled Parenting, Hearing God’s Voice, & Shaping our Kids as Arrows (Seth Dahl)

    • 148 | Andy Crouch - The Tech-Wise Family

    • 187 | Jon Tyson on Skillful Manhood, Capturing First Moments & The Intentional Father

    • 214 | Context, Fainting Goats & Being Secretly Awesome (Bob Goff)

    • 238 | A Place for the Heart (Ken Helser)

    • 250 | Raising Kids Humbly, Loving Your Wife Fully, and Soaring Joyfully (Morgan Snyder)

    • 286 | Parenting for the Third Generation, Building Family Assets, and Championing the Beauty of Fatherhood (Jeremy Pryor)

    • 298 | Dialing In, Leading with Love, and Being the Loudest Voice in Your Child’s Ears (Dr. Jackson Drumgoole)

    • 314 | Tackling Fear in a War Zone, Modeling Courage, and Embracing Your True Identity (Jamie Winship)

    • 364 | Bedtime Blessings, Birthday Letters, and 5 Simple but Life-Changing Habits (Justin Whitmel Earley)

    • 375 | Experiential Christianity, Lingering with Jesus, and The War for Your Attention (John Eldredge)

    • 385 | Raising Kids Who Live Generously, Creating Miracle Moments, and the 1% Challenge (Todd Harper)
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    1 h y 2 m
  • DA399 | Seeing Your Kids, Feeling with Them, and Delighting in Who They Are (Dr. Jake Smith - Part 2)

    DA399 | Seeing Your Kids, Feeling with Them, and Delighting in Who They Are (Dr. Jake Smith - Part 2)
    Sep 11 2025
    🔥 PART 2 is here! Dr. Jake Smith is back with the game-changing attunement triangle that will transform how you connect with your kids. 70% of Christian leaders don't finish well as dads. Don't be part of that statistic. In today's episode, you'll discover: ✅ The 4 components of attunement that create lasting relationships ✅ How to escape the "smothering grind" before it destroys your family ✅ Why behavior modification is sabotaging your connection with your kids ✅ The difference between "crushing life" and actually living it SUMMARY: The battle for your attention as a dad is real, and 70% of Christian leaders won't finish well. In part two of this critical conversation, Dr. Jake Smith reveals the attunement triangle that creates lasting relationships with your kids and how to escape the smothering grind that leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out. You'll discover why seeing your kids underneath their behavior changes everything and how to move from survival-mode parenting to deeply connected fatherhood. TAKEAWAYS: Attunement is the key to all healthy, deeply connected relationships: "I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you."The smothering grind pushes 70% of dads toward three outcomes: burnout, flame out, or tap out—and none of them are acceptable.Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in the world by moving beyond behavior modification.The attunement triangle consists of attunement at the top, with containment and repair as the foundational supports.You have two escape routes from life's river: hyperphoria (crushing it through activity) or hypophoria (checking out through apathy)—both lead to destruction.Your kids need you to stay in the river of life, feeling what's yours to feel and facing what's yours to face. GUEST: Dr. Jake Smith is a licensed professional counselor, author, and the founder of Plumline Ministries. He specializes in helping men navigate the challenges of modern fatherhood while maintaining their emotional and spiritual health. Jake has extensive experience in counseling Christian leaders and is passionate about helping dads finish well in their most important relationships. LINKS Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book Plumb Line Ministry (HEART) Plumb Line Ministry (SOUL) Episode 311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender) Episode 398 - Part 1 of conversation with Dr. Jake Smith Dan Allender resources on attunement Chip Dodd - Euphoria River framework QUOTES "I see you, I feel with you, I suffer alongside you, and I delight in you.""70% of Christian leaders don't finish well—don't be part of that statistic.""Stop teaching your kids to survive you and start teaching them to thrive in life.""Are you crushing life or is life crushing you?""The goal isn't perfect parenting—it's staying in process.""Attunement is the one thing that ensures relationships last.""Your kids don't need behavior modification—they need you to see them.""Escape the grind before it leads to burnout, flame out, or tap out.""Great parents don't always have great kids—but connected parents do.""You don't have to be a perfect dad—you just have to be present."
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    27 m
  • DA398 | When Your 4-Year-Old Breaks Your Heart Open: The Plumb Line for Dads (Dr. Jake Smith)

    DA398 | When Your 4-Year-Old Breaks Your Heart Open: The Plumb Line for Dads (Dr. Jake Smith)
    Sep 4 2025

    💔 "If I could pick a nice dad or you, I'd still pick you."

    That's what Dr. Jake Smith's 4-year-old daughter whispered to him at bedtime. Talk about a truth bomb from the mouth of a child!

    Jake unpacks how that moment launched his discovery of our "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems that make us complete fathers:

    ✅ The Loving Companion (Heart)

    ✅ The Visionary Guide (Soul)

    ✅ The Strategic Overseer (Mind)

    ✅ The Driven Warrior (Strength)

    Join the

    DadAwesome Accelerator 6-Week Cohort:

    SUMMARY:

    What happens when your 4-year-old daughter whispers, "If I could line up all the dads in the world and pick a nice one or you, I'd still pick you"? In this episode, Dr. Jake Smith shares how that truth bomb from his daughter launched him on a journey to discover what he calls our "spiritual anatomy"—the four integrated systems (heart, soul, mind, strength) that Jesus perfectly demonstrated. You'll learn why most dads operate from just one dominant system, how to identify your type, and practical steps to become the whole-hearted, integrated father your kids desperately need.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Most dads live dominantly from one of four systems (heart, soul, mind, strength) with a "sidekick" system, creating 12 possible father types
    • Whatever you do to yourself emotionally, you'll do to your kids—if you dismiss your own feelings, you'll dismiss theirs
    • Jesus demonstrated perfect integration of all four systems, responding appropriately to each situation rather than predictable patterns
    • The goal isn't to stay in your comfort zone but to develop all four aspects of your spiritual anatomy for complete fatherhood
    • Creating space to understand your own emotions is the upstream work that transforms how you respond to your children's big feelings
    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Jake Smith is the founder of Plumb Line, a ministry dedicated to helping men and women live with their whole hearts through healing, wholeness, and purpose. A former pastor of 21 years, Jake now focuses on helping people integrate what he calls their "spiritual anatomy"—the four systems of heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus perfectly demonstrated. He and his wife have three children: two sons (19 and 17) and a 14-year-old daughter. Jake is passionate about helping fathers move beyond survival mode to become integrated, whole-hearted leaders in their homes.

    Links Mentioned:

    • Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort

    • Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618

    • Download a free chapter of the DadAwesome book

    • Plumb Line Ministry (HEART)

    • Plumb Line Ministry (SOUL)

    • Dr. Jake Smith's upcoming book and assessment (releasing early 2026)

    • Episode 311 | Managing Triggers, Providing a Secure Beginning, and The North Stars of Parenting (Dr. Dan Allender)
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    31 m