When your teen becomes distant and moody, every instinct tells you to give them space. But pulling back is exactly the wrong move. Your teenager needs your steady presence now more than ever—they just won't admit it. Mike shares why the shift from authority-based to influence-based leadership is one of fatherhood's hardest transitions, plus research-backed strategies and hard-won wisdom for staying present without hovering during the beautiful chaos of adolescence.

Joey Womble was Mike's youth pastor at 18, and watching him parent changed everything Mike understood about fatherhood. In this personal conversation, Joey shares hard-won wisdom from four decades of parenting—including his biggest regret and how he navigated his kids through divorce. Joey discusses the power of consistent presence over planned quality time, staying connected with adult children across distances, and the challenging transition from being "in charge" to becoming a friend. Whether you're parenting through difficulty or preparing for future stages, Joey's honest, practical insights will resonate with every intentional dad.

We're not trying to be bad parents, but we're more distracted than ever—and our kids are paying the price. From devices to pride, Mike breaks down five common ways dads neglect their kids without even realizing it. With the busy holiday season approaching, this episode offers practical solutions to help you stay present with what matters most. Your to-do list will never be done, but your kids won't be young forever. Don't miss them.

Despite having more wealth, technology, and comfort than any generation in history, we're less happy than people were in the 1950s. Why? This Thanksgiving week, we explore why gratitude has become a radical practice in our discontent culture. Drawing from the story of ten lepers and modern research, we'll discover why gratitude is a discipline, not a feeling—and how learning to notice and appreciate imperfect gifts can transform our hearts and break the grip of ingratitude.

A big purpose without a strategic plan is a big flop. This episode walks you through the Father Friend Model—a developmental roadmap from birth through adulthood. Learn the 7 core insights and 4 quadrants that show what your kids need at each stage: Strong Protector (0-6), Confidence Builder (7-12), Steady Anchor (13-20), and Faithful Friend (21+). Discover the strategic actions to father with courage and a plan. How you father today shapes who they become tomorrow.

Why do we fight for our kids? Because the stakes have never been higher. In this episode, we explore how a clear cause fuels courage—and why fathers need both to navigate today's cultural battles. We're not just raising children; we're fighting for their minds, hearts, and futures. Fatherhood isn't about being heroic—it's about being willing to sacrifice everything. When you know why you fight, you'll find the courage to pay the cost.

Becoming a dad changes a man instantly — and in this episode, I get to watch that transformation in my own son. Brandon and I talk honestly about the moment Mabel arrived, the joy, the weight, the wonder, and how God equips ordinary men for extraordinary love. We explore serving your wife through pregnancy, learning as you go, and why this sacred calling is both gift and responsibility. If you’re a new dad or expecting one, this episode holds special value.

In this episode, Mike shares one of his most personal stories yet—the pain of growing up without an engaged or affectionate father, and the redemptive journey of discovering what true fatherhood looks like through God Himself.
It’s a story of healing, forgiveness, and transformation—how being fathered by God can empower you to become for your children what you never had for yourself.
If you’ve ever carried wounds from your past or wondered how to break the cycle, this one’s for you.