Explore every episode of the podcast Fatherhood Unscripted: A Dad Life and Parenting Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Your Kids Are Watching More Than You Think | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:06:55 | |
Being a dad isn’t just about providing or being around—it’s about who you’re becoming in the process. In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec speaks directly to dads about the man their kids are learning from every single day. This is an honest, faith-rooted conversation about presence, leadership, legacy, and the quiet moments of fatherhood that shape our children more than we realize. This episode is for dads who:
You don’t have to be perfect—but you do have to be intentional. | |||
| Don’t Waste This Year | A New Year Challenge for Dads | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:04:57 | |
A new year doesn’t require a new you—but it does require intention.In this New Year episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, we’re speaking directly to dads who want to show up better this year—not perfectly, but consistently.This episode is a challenge for fathers to stop drifting, stop waiting for the “right time,” and start building presence, legacy, and intentional rhythms at home. No hype. No fluff. Just real talk for real dads.We also introduce Fatherhood Academy, a space built for men who want to grow in faith, fatherhood, and leadership—together.And in the middle of the episode, we talk about protecting our kids in a digital world with Bark, a tool every parent should know about 👇 LINKS & RESOURCES• Join Fatherhood Academy: https://www.skool.com/rooted-in-brotherhood-3957 • Get 15% off Bark with code UNSCRIPTED: https://www.bark.us/ • Subscribe for weekly episodes and encouragement for dads This year will pass no matter what. The question is—who will you become as a father while it does? | |||
| The Heavy Truth About Fatherhood: Challenges Every Dad Faces | 09 Oct 2025 | 01:02:22 | |
The Weight of Fatherhood dives deep with Kevin Clevenger, better known as Iron Sanctuary, in one of the most powerful and raw conversations we’ve had on Fatherhood Unscripted. Kevin opens up about his journey from addiction to redemption, how becoming a dad changed everything, and the constant battle between providing for your family and being present with them. This episode explores: The mental weight fathers carry in silence The struggle to balance success, family, and purpose The power of transparency in men’s mental health How fitness, faith, and fatherhood intersect in Kevin’s life Why vulnerability might be a dad’s greatest strength🎙️ Guest: Kevin “Iron Sanctuary” Clevenger📍 Follow Kevin: TikTok / Instagram: @ironsanctuaryCoaching: ironsanctuaryfit.com Apparel: ironsanctuaryshop.com | |||
| Halloween Special | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:27:19 | |
Step into the eerie and enchanting world of "Fatherhood Unscripted" in our Halloween special. Join us for a bewitching journey through the spookiest season of the year as we share thrilling tales, parenting nightmares, and the enchanting moments that make Halloween unforgettable for kids and dads alike. From costume chaos to heartwarming trick-or-treating adventures, this episode celebrates the unscripted, supernatural side of fatherhood with a dash of laughter and a sprinkle of enchantment. Prepare for a ghoulishly good time as we explore the hauntingly delightful world of parenting during Halloween. | |||
| From Mentorship to Fatherhood Feat. Eddie Johnson PT. 2 | 20 Oct 2023 | 00:30:17 | |
In the second part of our insightful conversation with Eddie Johnson, the dedicated mentor, role model, and father, we delve even deeper into his unique journey. Discover how he navigates the challenges and joys of mentorship and fatherhood simultaneously. Learn about the incredible ways he instills values, resilience, and empathy in his own children while shaping the lives of countless youth. This is a continuation of a remarkable story that showcases the transformative influence of mentorship and the beautiful harmony between guiding young minds and nurturing character in his own family. Join us for the continuation of a powerful exploration into mentorship and fatherhood | |||
| From Mentorship to Fatherhood Feat. Eddie Johnson PT. 1 | 13 Oct 2023 | 00:28:27 | |
We are delighted to welcome Eddie Johnson, a dedicated mentor, role model, and father figure to countless youth. Eddie's journey from guiding young lives to becoming a father himself is a remarkable story of inspiration and influence. Join us as we explore the profound impact of mentorship, the transition to parenthood, and the valuable lessons he's gained from these dual roles. Discover how Eddie seamlessly combines his experiences to raise the next generation with wisdom, empathy, and unwavering support. It's a tribute to the positive influence one can have on both young minds and fatherhood, and a testament to the power of nurturing character in the next generation. | |||
| Technology and Kids | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:29:05 | |
In a digital age filled with screens and devices, join us as we navigate the complex terrain of parenting in a tech-savvy world. This episode explores the challenges and benefits of technology in raising children. From managing screen time to fostering a healthy tech relationship, we share stories, strategies, and tips for setting boundaries, promoting offline activities, and ensuring online safety. Discover how to strike a balance between the advantages of technology and the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions in your child's life. | |||
| The first days of fatherhood | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:26:52 | |
Step into the world of new fatherhood with candid tales from those initial days. Join us for a light-hearted episode as we share our personal experiences, laughter-filled mishaps, and the precious lessons we learned during those unforgettable first moments of being a dad. Whether it's diaper disasters, sleepless nights, or those magical "Dad" moments, we'll explore the rollercoaster ride of parenthood's early days. Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and discover that the journey of fatherhood is beautifully unscripted. | |||
| Nurturing Talent | 22 Sep 2023 | 00:26:57 | |
In this illuminating episode, we embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the significance of identifying and nurturing children's talents and passions. Join us as we explore the magic of uncovering the unique interests that make each child a star in their own right. Through personal stories, we share our experiences of encouraging our children's talents and passions, celebrating the spark of potential within each of them. Discover the numerous benefits of providing opportunities for skill development and the pursuit of passions, and gain valuable insights on how to strike a balance between nurturing these talents while ensuring a well-rounded education. Along the way, we'll share heartwarming anecdotes of how pursuing passions can lead to invaluable life skills. Join us for an episode that celebrates the remarkable journey of discovering and nurturing your child's extraordinary talents. | |||
| Teaching Kids to Navigate Feelings | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:28:55 | |
In this enlightening episode, we embark on a journey into the world of emotional intelligence and its profound impact on children's growth. We'll explore the significance of equipping kids with the tools to understand and manage their emotions effectively. Join us as we share personal stories and strategies for fostering open and supportive environments where children can freely express their feelings. Whether you're a seasoned parent or a newcomer, you'll leave with a treasure trove of practical tips for nurturing emotional intelligence in your little ones and helping them navigate life's emotional rollercoaster | |||
| Laughing Gas | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:33:46 | |
Get ready to chuckle as we dive into the side-splitting world of parenting mishaps! From diaper disasters to potty training tales, we're sharing the funniest, messiest, and most relatable moments from the dad playbook. Join us for a laughter-packed journey through the hilarious side of fatherhood, where every mishap is a memory, and dirty diapers become the stuff of legends | |||
| Modern Fatherhood | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:27:10 | |
In this episode, we dive deep into the shifting landscape of fatherhood in the modern world. Join us as we explore how societal expectations and gender roles have evolved, challenging traditional norms. We'll share valuable insights on the importance of equitable partnerships between parents and the shared responsibilities that come with it. Discover the challenges and rewards of balancing work, family, and personal interests from the perspective of modern fathers. Through candid conversations, we aim to encourage open dialogue about the evolving roles of fathers and their profound impact on families. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the changing face of fatherhood in today's society. | |||
| Sibling Dynamics | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:27:24 | |
Join us as we unravel the intricate world of sibling relationships. We delve into how these connections shape childhood and beyond, sharing personal tales of sibling rivalry and cherished bonds from our own pasts. Discover strategies to cultivate healthy relationships among siblings, including conflict resolution and teamwork. We explore the vital role parents play in guiding these interactions, while also inviting listeners to share their own experiences, forging a community of shared lessons in sibling dynamics. | |||
| Why True Peace Can’t Be Counterfeited | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:31:18 | |
In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Curtis J. Morley (Counterfeit Emotions Podcast) to dive into faith, peace, and the struggles dads face in today’s world. We talk about:
This episode is raw, real, and filled with encouragement for dads and men of faith. 👥 Connect with Curtis J. Morley
📌 Don’t forget—next week is our 100th episode with DJ back in the studio! | |||
| Daddy Issues | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:29:02 | |
We explore the impact of our fathers on our lives and parenting styles. We discuss the valuable lessons we learned from our dads and how we are passing on those teachings to our own children.
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| Work Life Balance | 11 Aug 2023 | 00:25:09 | |
We dive into the art of balancing work, family, and self-care as a father. Discover practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and insights that illuminate the challenges and rewards of navigating these vital aspects of modern fatherhood.
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| Pilot - Becoming a dad | 04 Aug 2023 | 00:27:19 | |
In the debut episode of "Fatherhood Unscripted," we embark on a heartfelt exploration of the joys and challenges of becoming a father. Our hosts share their personal stories, reflecting on the transformative experience of embracing fatherhood and the unexpected twists that come along the way.
Join us as we delve into the themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and relatability, discovering that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to being a dad. We'll discuss the profound impact of fatherhood on personal growth and the unique journey of raising the next generation
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| Balancing Fatherhood and Legacy: Parenting, Work and Faith as a Dad | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:13:08 | |
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down to share some big updates with the community. 🎙️ DJ opens up about entering a busy season with his family—three kids in sports, weekends packed with games, and the reality of balancing fatherhood with creative projects. After much thought (and prayer), DJ is stepping back for a few weeks to focus on his family. But don’t worry—the podcast isn’t going anywhere. Alec has exciting guests lined up, including Curtis Morley, and momentum is only growing as we approach our 100th episode. 🚀 We also talk about:
👕 Sponsored by Bark — keeping your kids safe online. Use code UNSCRIPTED for 15% off for life. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming. And if our podcast has impacted you, share it with another dad—it might impact him too. | |||
| How a Side Hustle Became a Billion Dollar Business | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:57:13 | |
Marine → LAPD → Quest Nutrition → Legendary Foods. Bruce Cardenas breaks down side hustles, sampling, customer obsession, listening, culture, and why you can’t out-market a bad product. Chapters below. Join our dad community—click the link below.🔗 BruceIG: @brucee_cardenasSite: brucecardenas.comBook (working title): Lead With ValueIf this helped, hit 👍 and share it with one entrepreneur who needs the nudge. | |||
| How to Be a Strong Father AND a Successful Entrepreneur | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:33:28 | |
Today on Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down again with Shawn Finnegan to kick off our month of entrepreneurship for dads. We talk about the recent tragedy that’s weighed on many families, the importance of showing up for our kids even when life and business get heavy, and how to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams without sacrificing your family. Shawn shares: If you’re a father thinking about starting a business—or you’re in the grind right now—this conversation will give you perspective, practical advice, and hope. 🔔 Subscribe to Fatherhood Unscripted for more real conversations about modern fatherhood, faith, and personal growth. Connect with Shawn Finnegan: Search “Finnegan Shawn” on social (he’s not the fitness model 😉). | |||
| Is Technology Rewiring Our Kids’ Brains? | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:31:36 | |
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ dive deep into one of the biggest struggles parents face today: technology overload and screen addiction in kids.We talk about what happens when you take away screens (yep—withdrawals and meltdowns are real), how ADHD and dopamine hits make it even tougher, and why creating tech-free zones is crucial for your family.We also share our personal stories—Alec’s son and Fortnite withdrawals, DJ’s kids navigating routine shifts, and how our own habits as dads set the tone for our families.Plus—we introduce our new partnership with Bark, a tool that helps parents monitor online activity, protect kids from bullying, explicit content, and online predators—without “spying.” Think of it as a digital seatbelt for your kids. 🚦👉 Use code “unscripted” for 15% off Bark for life: [link here]If you’re a dad (or mom) trying to figure out this tech-driven world, this conversation is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment on how you handle screen time at home. | |||
| Most Dads Get This Wrong (Counterfeit Emotions) | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:41:00 | |
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down with Curtis Morley, founder of Counterfeit Emotions, to expose the lies behind counterfeit emotions like “nice,” “lust,” and “shame.” Curtis explains why kindness is radically different than niceness, how dads can sit with emotions instead of stuffing them down, and why sobriety without recovery is a trap. He also shares practical steps for dads to guide their kids through emotional health, pornography exposure, and breaking free from shame. 👉 Special offer for our listeners: Protect your kids online with Bark parental controls. Use code UNSCRIPTED for 15% off.
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| This Is How to Win Your Battles | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:02:25 | |
This is it—the finale of our Armor of God series. In this episode, Alec unpacks the Sword of the Spirit from Ephesians 6:17—the only offensive weapon in the armor God gives us. You can’t fight lies with silence. You need the Word of God. 📖 Ephesians 6:17 “…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” We’ll talk about:
Pick one verse that speaks against a lie you’ve been believing. Write it down. Memorize it. Speak it out loud when the lie comes. If this series encouraged you, make sure to subscribe—so you don’t miss the new season of Father Like the Father on its own channel and podcast. 🧠 Weekly Challenge🔔 Subscribe CTA | |||
| Why 90s Parenting Is Trending Again | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:27:07 | |
Remember summer in the 90s? 🚲 We’d leave the house in the morning, ride bikes, explore, get dirty, and the only rule was: be home when the streetlights came on. That’s what people today are calling a Feral Child Summer — and it’s trending. Parents are starting to ask: should we let our kids roam free like we did, or is the world too different now? In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ dive into:
👉 Question for you: Would you let your kids have a Feral Summer today? Drop your answer in the comments! | |||
| How to Guard Your Mind and Lead with Confidence | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:02:32 | |
Your greatest battles don’t always happen around you—they happen inside your head. In this episode of our Armor Up series, Alec unpacks the Helmet of Salvation from Ephesians 6:17 and why protecting your mind is one of the most critical parts of leading as a father. 📖 Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation…” This episode is for dads who:
This week, every time a negative or condemning thought hits, stop and say out loud: Write down 2–3 Scriptures on salvation (Romans 8:1, John 10:28, 2 Corinthians 5:17) and keep them visible as reminders. If this encouraged you, make sure to subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss next week’s episode—where we’ll close out the series with the Sword of the Spirit. 🧠 Weekly Challenge🔔 Subscribe CTA | |||
| Why Men Struggle in Silence | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:27:44 | |
What happens when men finally stop pretending everything is fine?In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Joe Speredon to talk honestly about men’s mental health, community, identity, faith, and the moments that bring us to our breaking point—and what actually helps us heal.Joe shares his personal journey through isolation, men’s groups, faith struggles, and purpose-driven work. This conversation is for dads who feel alone, burned out, or stuck carrying everything in silence.If you’ve ever done everything “right” and still felt empty—this episode is for you.🛡️ PROTECT YOUR KIDS ONLINEIf you’re a parent, keeping your kids safe online matters more than ever.Bark helps parents monitor texts, social media, and online activity for things like cyberbullying, explicit content, self-harm, and online predators—so you can step in early and have real conversations.👉 Get 15% off Bark with code UNSCRIPTED🔗 Click here: https://www.bark.us/?discount=UNSCRIPTED👥 CONNECT WITH JOEInstagram: @joesperedonWebsite / Coaching: https://coachgrid.com | |||
| FAFO Parenting Explained | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:24:19 | |
Today we’re diving into the parenting trend that’s everywhere right now: FAFO Parenting — Find Out and Figure Out. Instead of rescuing our kids from every mistake, FAFO is about letting them experience natural consequences so they grow stronger, more resilient, and more independent. In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ talk about:
If you’ve ever wondered how much freedom is too much or how to help your kids prepare for real life, this conversation is for you. 👉 Question for you: What’s a FAFO moment your kid has had that taught them a lesson? Drop it in the comments! | |||
| Here’s How to Protect Your Family from the Enemy’s Attacks | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:02:17 | |
When life throws fear, lies, and shame your way, how do you keep standing? In this episode of our Armor of God series, we’re looking at Ephesians 6:16—the Shield of Faith—and how it’s not just for you, but for protecting your family. We’ll talk about how faith extinguishes the flaming arrows of the enemy, how to stand together as men, and why your shield matters more than you think. This week’s challenge: When you feel the arrows coming, stop and declare, “This is not the end of my story. God is with me, and I will stand.” 📖 Verse: Ephesians 6:16 📌 Subscribe so you don’t miss the next part of the Armor of God series. | |||
| Back-to-School Tips, Slang, and Survival for Dads | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:28:59 | |
It’s back-to-school season — which means school supplies, morning chaos, and a whole new language your kids will be speaking. 🎒 In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ break down:
Whether you’re a seasoned parent or sending your kids to school for the first time, this episode will make you laugh, relate, and maybe learn a little slang along the way. | |||
| How to Stand Firm When Life Shakes You | 09 Aug 2025 | 00:02:26 | |
When your footing’s off, your family feels it.In Part 4 of our Armor Up series, Alec unpacks what it means to have your “feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” from Ephesians 6:15—and why peace is one of the most powerful ways a dad can lead.📖 Ephesians 6:15“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”This episode is for you if:You feel constantly on edgeYou’re leading from anxiety instead of calmYou need a reset to lead your family well🧠 Weekly Challenge:Pray every morning this week: “God, help me walk in Your peace today, no matter what I face.”Then look for one intentional moment to bring calm into your home—pause before reacting, choose patience, or speak peace into a tense moment.🔔 Subscribe CTA:If this message encouraged you, make sure to subscribe and click the bell so you never miss a Father Like the Father episode. We drop new encouragement for dads every week. | |||
| Welcome to Fatherhood Unscripted | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:22:54 | |
Whether you’re brand new or you've been with us since the dining room table days… welcome to Fatherhood Unscripted. This episode is a raw, hilarious, and heartfelt look into how this podcast started, why we almost quit, and what we’re building now. We’re two best friends, dads, and men of faith who started this podcast as a form of therapy—and it’s grown into a global community of fathers who are breaking generational curses, growing in purpose, and showing up with love. 🎧 You’ll hear stories, behind-the-scenes moments, future plans (like our new entrepreneur series), and how YOU can be part of it all. —— 📱 Follow us on IG + TikTok: @fatherhoodunscripted | |||
| Why Dads Need to Protect Their Heart | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:03:18 | |
So many dads are leading from shame instead of strength. In this powerful episode, Alec walks through the breastplate of righteousness in Ephesians 6 and how it protects one of the most vulnerable parts of fatherhood—your heart. 📖 Ephesians 6:14“With the breastplate of righteousness in place…”This episode is for the dad who: Feels disqualified by past mistakes Keeps trying to prove he’s enough Needs to hear that he’s already covered 🧠 Weekly Challenge: Ask yourself: “Am I leading from shame or righteousness? ”Write down this verse and say it daily this week:👉 “In Him, I am the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21) 🌱 Join Rooted in Brotherhood: This is what we’re about: covering each other, standing firm, and leading with identity. Join Rooted in Brotherhood, our free Facebook group for faith-filled dads. 👇 Click here to join: | |||
| The Regret No One Talks About as a Dad | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:25:43 | |
In this honest and heartfelt episode, DJ shares a powerful story about the moments we often miss as dads—and the quiet regret that sneaks in when we’re not present. From birthday reflections to a final silly game of Twister, this conversation is a wake-up call for every father.Fatherhood isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. This episode will challenge you, encourage you, and remind you why your time with your kids is sacred.🎧 Whether you’re a new dad or raising teens, this one will hit home.🔔 Subscribe for weekly content that helps men become the dads they’re called to be.——👥 Join our community of faith-filled dads: https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028/📱 Follow us on IG & TikTok: @fatherhoodunscripted | |||
| How Truth Can Change Your Parenting Forever! | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:03:17 | |
The armor doesn’t start with strength—it starts with truth. In Part 2 of our Armor Up series, Alec walks through the Belt of Truth from Ephesians 6 and how dads today are often parenting from performance, pressure, or pain instead of truth. 📖 Ephesians 6:14“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”This episode is for dads who: Feel like they’re never enough Keep leading from insecurity Need to replace lies with God's truth🧠 Weekly Challenge: Identify one lie you’ve been believing. Write it down—then write the truth from Scripture beside it. Say it out loud every morning this week. That’s how you buckle up. Join Rooted in Brotherhood—our free Facebook community for faith-filled dads who want to grow, lead, and armor up together. 👇 Click here to join: | |||
| Warrior or Soldier? How Real Dads Lead | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:30:16 | |
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, we sit down with Pastor Dauda Presley of Connection Church in Las Vegas for a raw, faith-filled conversation about fatherhood, faith, emotional health, and breaking generational cycles.We dive into the difference between a warrior mentality and a soldier mentality in parenting. Warriors fight for themselves—driven by pride, ego, and self-preservation. Soldiers fight for their families, their communities, and the next generation. As dads, we’re called to be soldiers who put our children first, show them love, and create safe spaces where they can see and express emotions in a healthy way.Dauda opens up about his own journey—from being emotionally shut down, quick to anger, and living with a “warrior” mindset, to learning vulnerability, compassion, and how to intentionally love his sons—even as grown men. He shares how therapy, faith, and God’s grace helped him transform his approach to fatherhood, breaking cycles and modeling healthy emotional expression for his family.We also talk about Philippians 2:3–4, which says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” It’s a clear biblical call to shift from selfishness to humility—from being warriors for ourselves to soldiers for the people we love.If you're a dad who wants to break the cycle of anger, be more present, and model emotional health for your children, this conversation is for you.Fatherhood Unscripted is a podcast and community for real dads talking about real life, faith, mental health, and personal growth. We believe in having the hard conversations, sharing our failures and victories, and encouraging each other to become better fathers, husbands, and men of God.➡️ Subscribe for more honest conversations about Christian fatherhood, biblical parenting, men’s mental health, and faith-based leadership in the home.🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.🔔 Don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss an episode!➡️ Connect with Pastor Dauda Presley: https://www.instagram.com/iamdaudapresley/Connection Church Las Vegas: https://myconnectionlv.org/Join us on this journey of faith and fatherhood. Don’t do this alone. We’re building this together. | |||
| The Secret Enemy Every Dad Needs to Know About! | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:03:40 | |
You can’t win the battle if you don’t know you’re in one. This week on Father Like the Father, Alec kicks off our new Armor Up series with a challenge from Ephesians 6: stand firm. Because fatherhood isn’t just raising kids. 📖 Ephesians 6:10–13 “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” This episode is for dads who:
Ask yourself: “Where have I given up ground?” Name it. Because you can’t fight what you won’t name. You don’t have to fight alone. 👇 Click here to join: | |||
| What Every Girl Dad Needs to Know | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:33:16 | |
Being a dad is hard. Being a girl dad comes with a whole different set of challenges. In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, I sit down with Russell Kimura, founder of Fathers With Daughters and father of three teenage girls. Russ shares what he’s learned about connection, presence, emotional leadership, and why dads must intentionally pursue relationships with their daughters—especially as they grow older. We talk about:
Russ also shares the heart behind Father–Daughter Proms, coaching, and building environments where dads and daughters can connect in meaningful ways. If you’re a dad raising daughters—or preparing for what’s ahead—this conversation will challenge and encourage you. 👉 Fatherhood Academy | |||
| Faith, Boundaries, and Fatherhood: The Talk Dads Need | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:38:58 | |
In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec and DJ sit down with Pastor Joe from Vivid Church to talk about fatherhood, faith, boundaries, and building an authentic, rooted identity as a dad.Joe shares practical wisdom on being the same man at home as you are in public, setting healthy boundaries to protect your family, and modeling faith for your kids.We also talk about the power of daily affirmations and why your words matter so much as a father.📥 Grab our FREE Rooted Daily Affirmations for Dads PDF (link below) to start speaking truth and identity over yourself every day and lead your family from a place of being truly Rooted. subscribepage.io/Dadaffirmations 🌳 Join our free Rooted in Brotherhood community for dads here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028/ 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations about fatherhood, faith, mental health, and staying Rooted in who you’re called to be. | |||
| How to Stay Focused When Life Pulls at You | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:02:47 | |
What if the enemy doesn’t have to destroy you—he just has to distract you?In this Father Like the Father episode, Alec wraps up our Rebuild What Was Broken series with Nehemiah 6. When Nehemiah’s enemies couldn’t stop the wall, they tried to pull him away.📖 Nehemiah 6:3“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”This episode is for dads who:Feel stretched in too many directionsWant to say “yes” to what matters mostNeed help cutting out the noise🔨 Weekly Challenge:Ask yourself: “What’s pulling me off the wall?”Name one distraction you need to say “no” to.Name one mission you’ll say “yes” to instead.Write it down. Pray over it. Tell someone you trust.Don’t come down from the wall.🌱 Join Rooted in Brotherhood (CTA):You don’t have to fight distraction alone.Join Rooted in Brotherhood—a free community of faith-filled dads who want to build well, lead strong, and stay focused on what matters.👇 Click here to join:https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028 | |||
| Healing Anger and Building Emotional Safety | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:38:55 | |
Brian Bogert joins Fatherhood Unscripted for a real, raw talk about anger, fatherhood, and the work it takes to break harmful patterns.He shares how he went from being an angry, reactive dad to one who creates emotional safety for his kids.This episode is for dads ready to own their role, do the work, and show up better for their families.Key topics:✅ Handling anger as a dad✅ Building trust after damage✅ Creating emotional safety for your kids✅ Breaking generational cycles✅ Advice for dads going through divorce or custody📌 Connect with Brian:👉 https://www.brianbogert.com👉 @BogertBrian on all social platforms🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations about fatherhood, men's mental health, and building the legacy your family needs. | |||
| How To Keep Going When Change Feels Impossible | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:02:41 | |
Rebuilding what’s broken in your life won’t be easy. Nehemiah’s team didn’t just stack stones—they held swords. In this Father Like the Father episode, Alec unpacks Nehemiah 4:17, showing why real fatherhood means building with one hand and fighting with the other. 📖 Nehemiah 4:17 “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.” This message is for the dad who:
If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to change your family’s future—this is why. Name one area you’re building in your family. Write them down. Because legacy isn’t built without battle. You don’t have to fight alone. 👇 Click here to join: 🔨 Weekly Challenge:🌱 Join Rooted in Brotherhood (CTA): | |||
| Why ‘Man Up’ Is Destroying Men | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:57:15 | |
In this powerful episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, we’re closing out Men’s Mental Health Month with a raw, honest, and incredibly moving conversation with Joe Tuia’ana of the I Love You Bro Project.Joe opens up about the real struggles men face, why messaging like “man up” is so damaging, and how creating sacred, safe spaces for vulnerability is the key to healing. We talk fatherhood, breaking generational patterns, and what it really means to listen to our kids.Whether you're a dad, a friend, or someone fighting your own mental health battles, this episode will resonate. You are not alone.In this episode:Joe’s take on why men don’t open upThe cost of toxic messaging like “man up” and “lions not sheep”How to become a trusted listener for your kidsThe power of admitting “I’m sorry,” “I love you,” “I was wrong,” and “I need help”How to hold sacred space for real conversation👉 Learn more about the I Love You Bro Project: https://loveyoubroproject.org👉 Join our FREE dad community: Rooted in Brotherhood – for faith-filled dads growing together, sharing real talk, and leaving a legacy for our kids. Click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028/If you got value from this conversation:👍 Like the video💬 Share your thoughts in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more honest, faith-based conversations about fatherhood, men’s mental health, and personal growth | |||
| Can You Fix What’s Broken In Your Life? | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:03:17 | |
Most dads see the mess—few pick up the brick. In this second installment of our Rebuild What Was Broken series, Alec shares how Nehemiah moved from burden to breakthrough—and what that means for modern fathers. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the brokenness in your family, your mindset, or your past… this is where the good work begins. 📖 Nehemiah 2:17–18 “Come, let us rebuild… and they began the good work.” This episode is a call for:
Identify one brick this week—one thing you can do to start rebuilding. A habit. A conversation. A prayer. Write it down. And start the good work. You don’t have to rebuild alone. 👇 Click the link to join: | |||
| The Suicide Stories We’ve Never Told | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:27:19 | |
This is the most vulnerable we’ve ever been on the podcast.In this episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, it’s just Alec and DJ—no guests, no filters—sharing the mental health struggles we’ve kept hidden for years. We’re opening up about our personal experiences with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the silent battles we fought as men and as fathers.🎯 Why are we sharing this?Because too many men are suffering in silence.Because fatherhood isn’t just beautiful—it can also be brutally hard.And because if our stories can help even one dad realize he’s not alone, it’s worth it.We talk about:✅ Hitting rock bottom as new dads✅ The pressures men face to be strong, providers, and emotionally silent✅ How childhood trauma and father wounds carry into adulthood✅ The unexpected moments that saved us—like our kids, our spouses, and our faith✅ Why therapy, community, and vulnerability are not weaknesses✅ How to break generational cycles and finally healIf you’re a dad, a husband, a man struggling with your mental health—this is for you. We’re not licensed therapists, but we’re in the fight with you. This episode is a raw look at what happens when fatherhood and depression collide… and how hope can still rise in the middle of it all.👥 Join the MovementWe created a free community for faith-driven fathers called Rooted in Brotherhood—where real men talk about real things like fatherhood, mental health, faith, and legacy.👉 Click the link below to join. Don’t do this alone.https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028/🙌 We believe in you. We love you. And more importantly—God loves you. There’s nothing you can do about it.📲 Like, comment, subscribe, and share this with a dad who needs to hear it. You never know the battle someone is silently fighting. | |||
| You’re Not Weak for Feeling This | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:03:29 | |
We’ve been told that real men stay strong. In this Father Like the Father episode, DJ opens up about the quiet war men fight every day—the pressure to bottle emotions, push through pain, and pretend everything's fine. This is a call to feel again… and to let healing begin. 📖 Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” You don’t have to hold it all in. Take a moment this week and name what you’re feeling. You're not less of a man because you feel—it means you’re finally strong enough to lead. There’s strength in feeling. And there’s power in community. 👇 Click here to join the free group: 🔨 Weekly Challenge:🙌 Join Rooted in Brotherhood (CTA): | |||
| Nehemiah’s Secret to Rebuilding What’s Broken | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:02:54 | |
Are you trying to protect your family from behind emotional rubble?In this powerful episode of Father Like the Father, Alec opens the next series arc—Rebuild What Was Broken—with a message from Nehemiah 1. When Nehemiah heard that his people were suffering and the walls were in ruins… it broke him. And that burden became the start of something God would use to rebuild an entire nation.📖 Nehemiah 1:3–4“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept…”This episode will speak to:Dads who are tired but still carrying onMen who haven’t admitted what’s really brokenFathers who want to rebuild what they never had growing up🧠 Weekly Challenge:Ask God this week: “What’s broken in me that I’ve been avoiding?”Don’t just move on. Let it hit you.And pray like Nehemiah did—because the burden you feel might be the blueprint for what He wants to rebuild.🌱 Join Rooted in Brotherhood:If you’re tired of pretending everything’s fine—come get real with us.Rooted in Brotherhood is a free community of faith-filled dads growing together, healing past wounds, and becoming better men.👇 Click the link below to join the group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028 | |||
| Men’s Mental Health Tools Every Dad Should Know | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:19:15 | |
This episode is for the dad who feels like he's drowning but doesn’t know where to turn.In the middle of Men’s Mental Health Month, Alec and DJ are keeping it real with a shorter but powerful episode—packed with resources, tools, and truth for dads who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, or just the weight of fatherhood.💥 What You’ll Get in This Episode:Free & paid men's groups that actually helpAffordable therapy options (including sliding scale and student therapists)Recommended apps and podcasts for mental healthReal talk about why asking for help is strength, not weaknessWhy taking care of yourself is one of the most powerful ways to lead your family📌 Resources Mentioned:💬 Rooted in Brotherhood (Free Facebook Community) → [Join Here]🎧 The Dad Edge Alliance – Larry Hagner🔥 Men of Fire Program – Chris Rodak (Rising Father)🧠 BetterHelp – Text or call with licensed counselors🧍♂️ Local universities with student therapists (sliding scale)📱 Apps: Mental, Moodnotes, Headspace, UberMind🎙️ Podcasts: Suicide Noted, Get Real, Dad Bods and Beards👥 This community was built because we needed it first. Now it’s here for you.👇 COMMENT if you need help getting plugged in—we’ll personally respond.📲 DOWNLOAD the episode. SHARE it with another dad. FOLLOW the channel.💬 We’re in this together. | |||
| Men Aren’t Meant To Do Life Alone | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:43:14 | |
In today’s episode of Fatherhood Unscripted, Alec sits down with Bryan Hurd, founder of The Evolution Project, to talk about men’s work, brotherhood, faith, and the power of saying yes to the life God is calling you into. Bryan shares how retreats, adventure, service, and honest conversations can completely transform a man’s life — not because he’s “broken,” but because every man is invited into becoming more than he is today. From horseback trips in Wyoming, to father–son humanitarian projects in Mexico, to soul-level conversations around a fire, Bryan explains why men change when they finally step out of isolation and into community. If you’re a dad, a husband, or a man who feels that nudge in your spirit that something needs to shift — this episode is for you. 👉 Connect with Bryan: 👉 Protect your kids online with Bark (Code: UNSCRIPTED for 15% off) If this conversation speaks to you, consider joining our community of faith-filled dads walking out purpose, growth, and fatherhood together. | |||
| The Past Doesn’t Define You. This Does | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:02:38 | |
Are you still carrying the shame of who you used to be? In this episode of Father Like the Father, DJ opens up about the mental battle of trying to lead your family while still feeling like the old you is in control. If you’ve ever wrestled with the fear that your past disqualifies you—this one’s for you. 📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” DJ shares how learning to lead from wholeness instead of performance changed everything—especially as a dad. This week, write down one lie you keep believing about yourself. You don’t have to pretend anymore. You just have to keep walking. If this message hit home, you're not alone. 👇 Click the link below to join: 🔨 Weekly Challenge:🙌 Join Rooted in Brotherhood (CTA): | |||
| Jesus Didn’t Say Everyone Grows. Here’s Why | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:02:36 | |
Are you planting in good ground—or wondering why nothing’s growing?In this kickoff to our Father Like the Father series, Alec breaks down the Parable of the Sower in a way that hits home for dads. If you feel stuck, burnt out, or spiritually dry—this is for you.📖 Matthew 13:3–8Jesus talks about the four types of soil—and in this episode, we ask:What kind of ground are you giving God to work with?This episode covers:What kind of soil your soul is in right nowWhy good fruit starts beneath the surfaceA powerful challenge for every dadHow to lead your family by first letting God lead your heart🧠 Weekly Challenge:Take 15 minutes this week. No phone. No noise. Just ask God:“What kind of ground am I giving you?”Then journal what comes up. Growth starts with honest ground.🌱 JOIN ROOTED IN BROTHERHOODIf you're looking for a community of faith-filled dads who are growing together and want to leave a legacy for their kids, join our free community on Facebook.👇Click the link below to join:https://www.facebook.com/groups/282732511309028 | |||