DAD Talks

For me during this season I asked the question, “How do I begin to restore my life?” Or to put it another way, “How do I start again?  The process of restoration starts with admitting you are incapable of doing this yourself. It's having the self-awareness to understand that your actions aren't enough.

HDIGH #4This is the point in the journey where you are exhausted. You are asking, “Will things ever change? Or get better? I feel like I have put all this work in and nothing.” In this episode I want to encourage you to not give up with a simple truth that a friend shared with me.

HDIGH #3: It's a scene we have seen so many times in movies and TV shows. Characters facing a life or death situation and one character realizes the only way to survive is to let go. In this episode, I talk about the key to finding peace in your life is by letting go of the past and embracing your current circumstances as if you had chosen them.

In this episode of Dad Talks, I talk about the complex emotions surrounding grief and divorce. I share my personal journey through the stages of grief, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and the painful process of facing reality. Keywordsgrief, divorce, healing, acceptance, emotional pain, personal growth, fatherhood, mental health, coping strategies, life changes

This is the first episode in a series I am calling, "How Did I Get Here?" The idea with this series is to share my story from when I first realized divorce was coming to the healing journey to where I am today. In this episode of Dad Talks, I share my personal journey through divorce, exploring the feelings of being stuck and helpless. I reflect on past experiences, including a story from my high school years that illustrates the struggle of feeling trapped.Dad Talks, divorce, personal journey, encouragement, faith, feeling stuck, life lessons, personal growth, hope, resilience

In this episode, I share two powerful tools that have helped me navigate my struggles, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and acceptance. I look at the impact of past relationships on present behavior and the necessity of moving forward with purpose and clarity.TakeawaysThe importance of understanding personal responsibility in relationships.Counseling can help uncover deeper issues behind surface problems.The 'circle tool' helps individuals focus on their own actions and attitudes.Acceptance of the past is crucial for moving forward.Living with regret can hinder personal growth and happiness.It's essential to let go of the 'what if' mindset.Each person is responsible for their own actions and decisions.Transformation requires a clear understanding of what you want for the future.Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and experiences.The journey of healing is ongoing and requires active participation.

After a divorce, many dads find themselves wrestling with a painful question:Am I still a good dad?Being a “good dad” after divorce doesn't look the way you thought it would—but that doesn't make it any less real. In fact, some of the most important parts of fatherhood happen in the moments no one else sees.So let's talk about what no one tells you about being a “good dad” after divorce—and why you might be doing better than you think.

I recently heard a guest on a podcast share the idea of "being a butler for your future self." That got me to thinking, "What would that look like?" In this episode, I talk about the impact of procrastination on your life and what to do instead to set yourself up for future success.

"In the gap between where we are and where we want to be, we find instability..." -David J. Lieberman, Ph.D.Do you feel like you are stuck? Like you keep repeating the same stupid choices over and over? Do you struggle to connect with others? Are you not where you want to be? Then you need to deal with your ego. I have realized that my ego was holding me back in so many areas of my life. It wasn't until I decided to kill my ego that I began to grow.

You ever hear a message on a familiar bible passage that blows it wide open for you? That's what has happened recently with me as I worked through Abraham's life. I realized that I can relate to Abraham's story because I do this same thing that he does.

If I could go back to my younger self and tell me that "Anger isn't the real issue, here's what is going on..." I would tell him this...I have always struggled with anger. Let me be more specific, anger comes easy for me. The struggle is to not act out in a bad way because of it. As I now see similiar tendencies in my own kids, I reflect back on my own childhood and ask what could I have done differently so that maybe things go better for them.

"How do I get over her? How do I move forward?" These were questions I have asked and now have been asked. Although these questions are unique to divorce, moving forward isn't. We all face death, setbacks, and hurts, so how can we not only move forward but find meaning after loss?Finding Meaning by David Kessler

I disagreed with the answer ChatGPT gave to the following question. What was the question?"What is the #1 belief keeping divorced dads stuck?"The answer was, "I failed as a father."I agree that divorced dads struggle with this belief but it wasn't the belief that kept me stuck.

It took me two years to call and tell a mentor of mine that I was divorced. I just felt so much shame and thought he would be disappointed in me.I had allowed my divorce to define who I was.Your failures don't have to define you. You have the power to make a new path forward.

I have talked about the importance of facing your pain but how do we do that? I came across some old sermon notes that gives the blueprint on how to do that. That blueprint leads you to this truth: "Knowledge of God's truth gives us the ability to endure trials joyously."

"Faith is trusting advance what will only make sense in reverse." -Philip Yancey There's a question that I often ask myself and it can have both negative and positive outcomes. What's the question...Listen to find out.

When you are faced with a painful situation, how do you respond? Do you run away and avoid or do you face your pain head on and run through it? This episode I talk about why we should face our pain and how it can lead to healing and restoration.

On this episode of DAD Talks, I talk with Cory Jenks. We discuss how the skills needed for Improv Comedy can help you be a better parent and how yelling repeatedly at your kid during a game can make them play better... Cory Jenks is a convention breaking pharmacist, comedian, author, speaker, and dad from Tucson Arizona. Since earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2011 from the University of South Carolina, he has been on a mission to help people get off medications through lifestyle. Since 2013, he has taught, coached and performed improv comedy for thousands of people. And since 2022 when his 1st book Permission to Care: Building a Healthcare Culture that Thrives in Chaos, came out, he has been making readers laugh out loud while reading.  His newest book, I Guess I'm a Dad Now, provides practical and hilarious tips, tricks, and stories to help new dads earn that "#1 Dad” shirt they will inevitably be gifted on Father's Day. With the little spare time he has, Cory enjoys harvesting rainwater, raising chickens, and attempting to play various sports with variable success. He is currently earning his Master's Degree in Dad Jokes with the help of his daughter and two sons. Connect with Cory: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=12616017   Instagram @pharmacomedian  X:  @coryjenkspharmd  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-jenks-3ba17314/   Website: www.coryjenks.com Email: cory@coryjenks.com Books: I Guess I'm a Dad Now: https://rb.gy/zk1zgj Permission to Care: https://rb.gy/4a8yoo

On this episode of DADtalks, Jeff Wickersham joins the show to share his heart behind starting the Warrior Dad Experience. Jeff Wickersham is on a mission to impact, lead and guide 1,000,000 dads and elevate the lives of 2,000,000+ kids by January 1, 2053.  He's the founder and creator of The Warrior Dad Experience which guides dads to actualize their potential and crush life both personally and professionally in less than 1% of their day, changing their family tree forever.   Jeff's the dad to two amazing sons, Jackson and Carter.  Jeff's a #1 best-selling author, Tony Robbins award winner, podcast host, and speaker.  He's a practitioner, leads by example and his core values are energy, consistency and accountability.  If you have that itch that you can be more, do more, want more, Jeff can help get you there!   LlNKS: Website – www.thewarriordad.com Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-warrior-dad/id1440206125 LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wickersham/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeff_wickersham/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.wickershm TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffwickersham YouTube – www.youtube.com/@jeff_wickersham

Any time I would share my story about my relationship with my dad or my divorce, afterwards people would say, "Oh I am sorry about that." I then would say this phrase but I have had an epiphany and realized that this phrase is not helpful at all. Here's what led me to this conclusion.

On this episode of DADtalks, Andy Schoepf joins the show to share his story and insights from being a dad. We discuss How this idea that we are not called to be comfortable has: Led him to leave his job of 18 years to step into a field he knew little about Serve the other parents while their child was in the NICU And why he has a heart for the church, especially the youth

"There is more to 'time heals...'" On this episode of DADtalks, Daniel Novak joins the show to share his story and insights from being a dad. We discuss -Daniel's childhood as a pastor's kid -His career as a firefighter -Dealing with the loss of their son Make sure to listen to the end for bonus content!

"How can I make an impact like my dad did." -Caleb Mann On this episode of DADtalks, Caleb Mann joins the show to share his story and insights from being a new dad. In this episode: -Caleb shares what he has learned as a new dad -Building community through Pinball competitions -The amazing legacy of his dad and how it impacts Caleb now as a dad

"If it (suffering) is avoidable, the meaningful thing to do is remove its cause...If, on the other hand, one cannot change a situation that causes his suffering, he can still choose his attitude." -Viktor E. Frankl We can't always control what happens to us but we can control how we will respond.

"I wasn't getting to their heart because I hadn't logged enough quality time to earn the collateral to discipline." -Jamie Hopkins On this episode of DADtalks, Jamie Hopkins joins the show to share his story and insights from raising 3 kids to entering the next stage of being a grandpa. In this episode: -Jamie shares his struggles of being a dad at 18 which included losing their first child to SIDS -Working to improve as a husband and dad continually -Life lessons from his love of drumming

S4 #006 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Drew Burkamper. I brought Drew on to talk about fostering kids and the story behind "One More Arrow." We also discuss the need for dads to be in community with other dads and what the numbers on your toaster mean.

S4 #005 "Whatever standard you set for them, they will follow." On this episode of DADtalks, I am joined by Nick Martin. As you listen you will begin to pick up on the theme of intentionality as we talk about how to be intentional with your spouse, kids, and in life.

S4 #004 On this episode I share some on insight from Jordan Peterson's book 12 Rules of Life on how to effectively yet lovingly discipline our kids.

S4 #003 When I was young and first married I thought sex was synonymous with intimacy (let's be honest I thought this most of my marriage). Now as a single man, I am trying to figure out what intimacy looks like apart from the physical act of sex. How can I cultivate intimacy in my friendships? How can you cultivate deeper intimacy with your spouse?

S4 #002 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Taylor Miles. Taylor and I discuss a variety of topics covering dealing with our anger, the messiness that is parenting, and finding the balance of helping our kids mature but also letting them be kids. Taylor shares how the pandemic and his wife's health struggle brought the family closer together as well as insights from going to counseling as a couple.

S4 #001 Loneliness is something we all struggle with at some point in our life. I reflect on my loneliness in light of Easter Weekend. Holy Saturday was a dark and lonely day for the followers of Jesus because they did not understand the work Jesus was doing in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. Don't quit on Saturday and miss what's to come on Sunday. There is HOPE.

S3 #011 This season as I reviewed each episode, one theme continued to emerge which was that "Communication is key." I realized that each guest spoke to a different aspect of communication that is vital in our everyday relationships. Some of the different aspects discussed were being vulnerable with your spouse or kids, surrounding yourself with wise friends, and having clear expectations. Thanks again for listening to this season of DADtalks!

S3 #010 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Mike Jones. This was a fun episode to record since Mike is a good friend so lots of laughs throughout but also some serious discussions. Mike shares some wisdom on keeping the romance alive with your spouse, the negative impact his father had on his body image, and how he processed that. We also discuss the need to surround yourself with positive friendships.

S3 #009 There is a story from the Bible that is found in Numbers 11 that begins with the Israelites complaining to Moses about wanting to have meat to eat instead of just manna. It ends with a severe plague and the place being called Kibroth Hattaavah or "graves of craving." Even though this story took place thousands of years ago, it can teach us a very valuable lesson on contentment that is applicable to us today.

S3 #008 Brenton Laidler and I became friends after connecting on the LiveFree App when we realized we share the same humor. We begin to call each other and share our latest parenting wins regularly...or usually our failures. Brenton shares some great parenting wisdom and addresses how to overcome parents' fear of their kids being influenced negatively by culture. We also talk about the need for community as an adult, raising strong kids and how showing your kids vulnerability will make your relationship stronger. Connect with Brenton: Where is Jesus Refill Podcast

S3 #007 You ever find yourself in the middle of an argument asking yourself, "What is going on? How did we get here?" That's where I found myself during a conversation with an unsatisfied customer. Later as I processed what happened, I realized the lessons I learned from dealing with these type customers are useful in everyday relationships as well.

S3 #006 "It was easier for me to stay busy than to face my inadequacies as a husband." I brought Jeff onto DADtalks to talk about learning from our failures and how becoming a better man can lead to a better marriage. Jeff is also the author of two books, host of Wife Magnet Radio, a marriage crisis coach, and monthly contributor at Live Free. wifemagnet.me Better Man, Better Marriage by Jeff Borkoski Wife Magnet by Jeff Borkoski You Control How You Play - Ryan Holiday --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

S3 #005 Overthinking - Does the following describe you: Thinking too much about something, or putting too much time into thinking about or analyzing something, in a way that is more harmful than helpful? Did you just spend five minutes going back and forth in your mind trying to decide if this is true about you? Yeah, you definitely are an overthinker, then. In this episode, JT shares his struggle with overthinking and how he pulls himself out of the overthinking loop. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

S3 #004 Carl knows what it's like to feel trapped by pornography, unwanted sexual behavior, and crushing shame. He's a former porn addict who's been helping others find freedom for over 10 years. In 2019 he launched Live Free Ministries and created the Live Free Community App to provide a safe and supportive community for men who hunger for real freedom. He also launched Live Free Wives, a free support community for spouses. Carl is an ordained pastor, published author, certified Neuro Health Coach, and the CEO of XXXchurch.com. Carl and I talk about men overcoming sexual addictions, how to talk to your kids about sex and how to lead with transparency. Connect with Carl: XXXChurch.com whenshamegetsreal.com Linkedin

S3 #003 I once heard a guest talk about "creating the world he wanted his kids to live in" which got me thinking about doing the same especially given the season that I was in. I did not want to continue to live as the "victim" of my situation but how could I move forward? I found some help after reading the book, "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday. In this episode, I share the paradigm shift I had in how I viewed and handled obstacles. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

S3 #001 "Graduate college, get a job, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after..." Wait, it's not that easy?!? On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Mark Galloway . I asked Mark to come on DADtalks to discuss fatherhood and the unique challenges of adopting. We also talk about continually improving as a dad and the leader of your family, the complexity of the brain, and how kids raised in the same family environment can turn out completely different. Enjoy my interview with Mark Galloway on this episode of DADtalks

S2 #008 In this final episode for Season #2 of DADtalks, JT shares what he has learned over the past season not just from his own life but from each of the guys interviewed this season.

S2 #007 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Ryan Dawson. Ryan has been a friend of mine for several years. Even though he has lived in a different state or country most of the time, we have stayed connected over the years. Ryan works as a pilot for a missionary organization based in Peru. Ryan and his wife, Genevieve, are some of the coolest people you will meet. Both were raised in the jungles of Venezula, and now are raising their family of 4 in Peru where they swim in a lake with piranhas. And if you think that's crazy just wait to hear some of the stories Ryan shares from his own childhood. Ryan has faced loss in his life so I brought him on to talk about those losses and how he processed through them. The first was the loss of his mother at an early age. The second was the recent loss of their child after Genevieve suffered a miscarriage. Here is my interview with Ryan Dawson on this episode of DADtalks.

S2 #005 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Reid Gossen. Reid is another friend of mine from good ol Corn Bible Academy. As you will hear in the interview we did some crazy stuff together in HS and just like most of you question how we are still alive today. Reid is Fire Fighter at Norman Fire Dept in Norman, Oklahoma, and is also the owner of Gossen Homes and Construction. He is married to Morgan and together they have Maverick and Vera. I asked Reid to come on DADtalks to catch up on life and hear how things are going for him as well have him share their story of struggling with infertility and how God worked for them to adopt Vera. We also talk about growing up in a Christian bubble and navigating life coming out of that, and how our faith has grown as we processed through this. Enjoy my interview with Reid Gossen on this episode of DADtalks.

S2 #006 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Matt Miller. Matt is a guy I met a few years ago through a mutual friend and I never would have thought I would be interviewing him to hear his advice or input on divorce and blended families. It is pretty awesome to see how God has worked in his life over the years. Matt and his wife Rochelle stay busy raising their blended family of 4 and if that is not exhausting enough they also do foster homes for misplaced dogs. I asked Matt to come on DADtalks to discuss the challenges of divorce and raising kids in a blended family. Enjoy my interview with Matt Miller on this episode of DADtalks.

S2 #004 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Carlin Day. Carl and I talk about what it's like raising 4 boys with his wife, Angela. How dads can elevate their value by developing their character, vision, and skills. Carl also talks about the legacy his father passed down to him that gives him a solid foundation to raise his boys. To connect with Carlin Day: Go check out: https://elevatingvalue.com/ https://twitter.com/elevatingvalue

S2 #004 Welcome to the first episode of our new segment titled DADisms DADisms are characteristics that dads should have as stated by previous guests in their answers to the question: A DAD is ______. The idea is to dig deeper into the answers that the dads give and how we can apply them to our everyday life. The first DADism comes from the interview with, JC Zahradnik, A DAD is consistent.

S2 #003 On this episode of DADtalks, I interview Josiah Street. We discuss raising girls specifically strong-willed independent girls, how to overcome overthinking, and what we can learn from difficult situations.

S2 #002 On this episode of DADtalks, JT interviews his older brother, JC Zahradnik. JC and his favorite assistant coach aka his wife, Beth, work together to help their team of 4 "Work Hard. Be Tough. Be their best self." We talk about our shared childhood experiences, how the skills needed to be a great dad transfer over to being a great coach, and why it takes courage to work on our own mental and emotional health.

S2#001 Dads have can many roles that they are trying to play and the struggle comes as they try to find the balance to perform all of them well. Does balance just mean giving equal time to all roles so one is not neglected? Or is there a better way?

Bonus #001 - I asked the following question on Facebook, "Do you agree with this statement: "In order to grow you have to experience pain.'?” I was amazed at the amount of responses I got from this question but even more at the insightful answers from a variety of people. In this bonus episode I respond to the comments and dig into them a little deeper.