Every dad has authority—but how you use it determines whether your kids follow from fear or trust. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks the difference between positional leadership and personal leadership, showing how true influence comes through character, connection, and Christ-like servant leadership. Discover why authority isn’t about control, but about discipleship, credibility, and love. Learn how to lead your children’s hearts, not just their behavior.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Dr. Mike Ayers reminds dads that courage isn’t built in comfort—it’s forged in risk, failure, and persistence. In this Father Friend episode, he unpacks why modern parenting often sidelines courage and what dads can do to restore it in their kids. From stopping the rescue reflex to modeling bravery, instilling vision, teaching kids to manage fear, and encouraging them to stand out rather than blend in, this episode equips fathers with practical tools to raise strong sons and daughters inspiring them to live boldly in today’s world as difference-makers.

What happens when a bestselling thriller author opens up about being a dad? In this special episode of the Father Friend podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers sits down with New York Times bestselling author Marc Cameron—known for his work on seven Tom Clancy novels and his own Arliss Cutter series. Together, they dive into the world of writing, discipline, and creativity while exploring the deeper role of fatherhood. Marc shares personal stories, insights, and lessons learned as both a writer and a father. It’s a candid, encouraging conversation you won’t want to miss. [marccameronbooks.com]

Trust is the foundation of a healthy father-teen relationship—but what does it really mean to trust your teen, and how do you rebuild it when it’s been lost? In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks two powerful concepts: The Trust Cycle and The Trust Account. Learn how everyday decisions either deposit or withdraw from your teen’s trust account, and why rebuilding trust requires time, consistency, and intentional leadership. If you’re a dad navigating the ups and downs of teenage independence, this conversation will give you practical steps to lead with wisdom, patience, and grace.

When children are struggling, they're almost always telling us—but rarely with words. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers explores five critical warning signs that your child may be facing emotional difficulties. From isolation patterns to sleep disruptions, learn how to recognize the signals your child is sending and understand what they really mean. Featuring practical guidance on when and how to seek help. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or work with young people, this episode provides essential tools for identifying struggling children before their challenges become crises. Don't miss these important insights.

Every dad leaves a mark, but when it comes to faith, the impact runs deeper than we often realize. In this episode of the Father Friend podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks how children form their first picture of God—not from church or Bible stories, but from the way they experience their dad. From everyday moments in the aisle of a hardware store to the legacy of daily prayer, you’ll learn how authentic faith is more caught than taught. Discover practical ways to model, guide, and pass on a faith that sticks for a lifetime.

In this essential episode, Dr. Mike Ayers breaks down the 8 crucial rules every parent needs before handing their child a smartphone. With the average age for a first cell phone now at just 11.6 years old, and mounting research linking excessive screen time to sleep disruption, mental health issues, and impaired social skills, parents need a proactive game plan.

These aren't just rules—they're relationship-savers that will help your family maintain connection while navigating the digital world safely and intentionally.

What if there existed a singular trait in fatherhood, one that eclipsed all other skills, capable in itself of fostering profound trust and influence? Wouldn't that change everything?

In this shorter summer-series episode, we explore the one character trait that sits at the center of all effective fatherhood: integrity. Through a powerful real-life story of a 7-year-old boy and a deep dive into ancient wisdom and modern insight, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks what integrity really means—far beyond honesty—and why it’s the most essential quality for building trust with your kids.

Discover how your influence as a dad rises or falls based on the degree of alignment between what you say, what you do, and what you believe.