Dad Tired – Details, episodes & analysis

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What if the pain you’ve buried is the very thing blocking you from becoming the man God created you to be?

In this raw and emotional episode, Jerrad sits down with Dr. Brad Johnson—also known as BJ Communicates—to talk about grief, father wounds, and how trauma shapes us more than we realize. BJ shares the heartbreaking story of holding his newborn son as he took his last breath, walking through the fog of loss in his marriage, and later grieving the death of his own father before reconciliation could happen.

Together, they unpack how fatherlessness, unprocessed emotions, and generational pain keep men stuck—and why ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. They talk about how grief shows up in unexpected ways (like road rage and burnout), why most men lack true friendships, and how healing begins with honest conversations.

This episode is an invitation to stop carrying what God has called you to cast—and to believe that the best version of you is on the other side of your pain.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why men are emotional—even when they say they’re not
• How father wounds affect your identity
• The power of grief and what it reveals
• What it means to carry trauma in your body
• How to connect with your wife through emotional check-ins
• Why men struggle to form deep friendships
• How generational patterns repeat if we don’t interrupt them
• Why healing is spiritual—and why it matters for your family

Mentioned in This Episode:

• BJ Communicates’ books: Hard Conversations series
• Support group for grieving dads: Sad Dad
• “Feelings Wheel” for emotional check-ins
• Book Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
• Grab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Watch this interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4c_qHfeSGAE

What if the lie you're believing is the very thing keeping you from peace?

In this powerful and convicting episode, Jerrad sits down with bestselling author Gary Thomas to dismantle one of the most common, but rarely admitted lies Christian men believe: God owes me. Together, they talk about the quiet entitlement that sneaks into our faith, why peace feels so elusive, and how the Gospel offers something far deeper than comfort or success.

Jerrad and Gary explore how social media fuels discontent, how unspoken expectations erode intimacy with God, and why healing begins when we face our sin instead of hiding it. They share personal stories, biblical truth, and hard-won wisdom for men who want more than just behavior change, they want transformation.

This episode is a much-needed reminder: God’s not holding out on you. He’s already given you more than you deserve.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why entitlement might be the root of your spiritual frustration
• How believing a lie can sabotage your faith
• The difference between comfort and peace
• What Gary learned through suffering, silence, and surrender
• Why social media subtly kills gratitude
• How to be a man of peace in a world full of chaos
• Why facing your sin leads to deeper joy
• How the Gospel frees you—from your past, for your future

Mentioned in This Episode:
Gary Thomas’ new book: The Life You Were Reborn to Live
Gary’s website: https://www.garythomas.com
Book Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
Grab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4c_qHfeSGAE

Why do so many men feel stuck—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally—even while doing all the “right” things? 
In this vulnerable conversation, Kyle Idleman talks about the inner battles men face in silence. He explains why many men hide behind performance and productivity, how healing begins with connection (not accomplishment), and what it really looks like to take every thought captive.

Kyle and Jerrad dig into thought patterns that keep men stuck, the mental load of leadership, and why confessing weakness isn’t whining—it’s spiritual obedience. If you’ve ever felt alone, overburdened, or ashamed of not “being further along,” this conversation will help you breathe again.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why men around age 40 often face unexpected internal crisis
• How emotional connection—not productivity—defines your health
• What it looks like to take every thought captive in practical terms
• The healing power of confession and friendship
• How to recognize and break negative thought patterns
• Morning routines, prayer habits, and spoken truth as tools for renewal

Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Every Thought Captive (Kyle Idleman’s new book)
2. Galatians 6: “Bear one another’s burdens”
3. The power of saying Scripture aloud to renew your mind
4. Healthy male friendships and confession as healing rhythms
5. The “+/- 3 of 40” principle: why men change between 37–43

Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Jeremy Utley, author, speaker, and innovation expert from Stanford University. Jeremy is a husband, father of four girls, and a follower of Jesus. He shares how everyday men can walk into their jobs as disciples. Not just to work hard  but to be salt and light in their workplace.

They talk about:
 • How to have creative ideas without pressure
 • Why your work is not separate from your calling
 • What to do when you feel stuck in a job that drains you
 • How to build a culture of honesty and creativity
 • Why Jesus doesn't divide sacred and secular work
 • How dads can create small moments of discipleship at home

Tune in to hear how God can use you to make your workplace better and your family stronger.

Episode Resources:

1. Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox: https://samaritanspurse.org/buildonline
2. Oelo Lighting: https://www.oelo.com
3. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
4. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
5. Donate to support Dad Tired: https://www.dadtired.com/donate

Jerrad talks with author and teacher John Mark Comer about discipleship, spiritual formation, and what it takes to follow Jesus in a culture that often pulls in the opposite direction. John Mark explains why spiritual disciplines matter, how they shape a man’s heart, and why comfort and complexity keep many men stuck.

What You’ll Hear:
• Why most Christians are living in the gap between belief and practice
• How to become a disciple, not just a churchgoer
• What apprenticeship to Jesus looks like in real life
• How the Church lost sight of discipleship
• What John Mark learned living in Portland and LA
• Why slowing down is the starting point of spiritual growth

Tune in for a  talk about what it means to follow Jesus with your whole life.

Episode Resources:

1. John Mark Comer’s new book Practicing the Way: https://practicingtheway.org/book
2. Operation Christmas Child: https://samaritanspurse.org/occ
3. Oelo Lighting: https://www.oelo.com
4. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
5. Donate to support the ministry: https://www.dadtired.com/donate
6. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

In this episode, Jerrad tells the story of two lost phones, one rebellious toddler, and a dad learning how to discipline without shame. He unpacks how anger often takes over and why the real work of discipline starts with the heart. You’ll hear biblical truth, real stories, and practical advice for disciplining with love and consistency.

What You’ll Hear:
• Why discipline is more than behavior correction
• How sin always brings the death of something
• What it means to parent the heart, not just the behavior
• Why young kids need consistent consequences
• How older kids need deeper conversations
• The difference between discipline and anger

Episode Resources:

1. Operation Christmas Child – https://samaritanspurse.org/occ
2. Oelo Permanent Lighting – https://www.oelo.com
3. Read The Dad Tired Book – https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
4. Invite Jerrad to speak – https://www.jerradlopes.com
5. Support the ministry – https://www.dadtired.com/donate

Jerrad talks with Brent Dusing, founder and CEO of True Play. Brent shares why kids need more than just safe content but gospel-centered stories that shape their identity and worldview. They discuss parenting in the digital age, how predators use online games, and why the Church must meet kids where they are.

What You’ll Hear:
• How much time kids actually spend on screens
• Why safe content isn’t enough for Christian families
• How predators are using gaming platforms
• What good digital discipleship can look like
• Why boys are struggling to grow into godly men
• How tech can help share the gospel, not compete with it

Tune in to learn how to lead your family with wisdom in a digital world.

Episode Resources:

1. Download the True Play app: https://www.truplaygames.com
2. Brent’s recommended book – Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax
3. Watch Sound of Freedom
4. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
5. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
6. Support the ministry: https://www.dadtired.com/donate

 Kaleb talks about leading in weakness. He shares a moment with his daughter that reminded him how much he needs God. He draws from 2 Corinthians 12 and shows why spiritual strength starts with honesty. Kaleb helps you see how staying present and trusting God can shape the way you lead.

What You’ll Hear:
• What it means to be frail but full
• Why kids need to see you depend on God
• How to lead from a place of weakness without shame
• Why honesty builds trust more than confidence
• How to ask for wisdom when you don’t have the answers
• Why grace leads better than striving ever could

Tune in for a reminder that your limits don’t disqualify you; they make room for God’s power.

Episode Resources:

1. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9
2. Operation Christmas Child: https://samaritanspurse.org/occ
3. Book – Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax
4. Dad Tired Conferences: https://www.dadtired.com/conferences
5. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
6. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
7. Support the ministry: https://www.dadtired.com/donate

Jerrad answers a big question many Christian parents face each October ; what do we do with Halloween? He breaks down the history, looks at biblical teaching, and lays out three responses Christians can take: reject, receive, or redeem.   Tune in to lead your family with wisdom  through hard cultural questions. 

 What You’ll Hear:
• What the Bible says  and doesn’t say about Halloween
• The difference between clear commands and conscience issues
• How to use scripture to make wise decisions
• Why unity matters even when families land in different places
• What Christian liberty looks like in parenting
• How to guide your kids without confusion or fear

Episode Resources:

1. Join the Dad Tired Community: https://www.dadtired.com
2. Support the ministry: https://www.dadtired.com/donate
3. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
4. Bring a Dad Tired Conference to your church: https://www.dadtired.com/conferences
5. Learn more about Samaritan Ministries: https://samaritanministries.org/dadtired
6. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com

Jerrad sits down with pastor and author Levi Lusko to talk about parenting, friendship, and what it means to be present in a lonely world. Levi shares about his relationship with his dad, how that shaped his own parenting, and why real friendship takes more than good intentions.

What You’ll Hear:
• Why friendship is essential for spiritual and emotional health
• What Levi learned from his dad about presence and integrity
• How loneliness is harming families and communities
• Why men often don’t talk about what they’re really feeling
• What the Bible says about brotherhood and connection
• How to help your kids face fear, loss, and anxiety with faith

Tune in to see why friendship is more than a feeling and a fight worth showing up for.

Episode Resources:

1. Levi Lusko’s children’s devotional – Marvel at the Moon
2. Book – Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko
3. Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
4. Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
5. Support the ministry: https://www.dadtired.com/donate
6. Bring a Dad Tired Conference to your church: https://www.dadtired.com/conferences