Legacy Dads with Dave and Dante

In this episode of Legacy Dads, Dave and Dante address "Functional Marriage Syndrome"—a common trap where Christian couples excel at domestic logistics but drift into becoming spiritual strangers. To move beyond mere efficiency and fulfill the Biblical mandate to love and understand their wives (1 Peter 3:7), husbands are urged to transition from managing household tasks to actively shepherding their wives' spiritual well-being with gentleness and vulnerability (Galatians 6:1). The guys introduce a practical framework centered on two core questions—"How is your heart with the Lord lately?" and "How can I lead our family in a way that nourishes you?"—encouraging men to...

This episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast with Dave and Dante, titled "The Third Way: Marriage Beyond Win or Lose," addresses how couples can transcend destructive conflict dynamics—specifically the dual traps of striving to win arguments or silently capitulating—by adopting a biblical "third way." Rooted in Genesis 2, the guys unpack how Eve was created as an ezer (a strong, necessary partner rather than a subordinate) and show how unresolved family-of-origin patterns often prevent couples from truly leaving their pasts to become one. They reframe Ephesians 5 not as a tool for male dominance, but as a mandate for mutu...

In this episode of Legacy Dads, Dave and Dante tackle the weight of generational trauma, family patterns, and the silent fear many men carry of becoming like their fathers. Wrestling with the tension between the consequences of inherited dysfunction and personal responsibility, they analyze Exodus 20:5–6 alongside Ezekiel 18:1–20 to dismantle the fatalistic belief that a father's failures dictate a son's destiny. They clarify that while sinful patterns naturally replicate when left unchecked, Scripture forcefully rejects the ancient proverb "the fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge," affirming that every individual possesses real agency and capacity for...

In this episode, Dave and Dante discuss some common myths around men and Christianity. If you have heard any of these, or have different ones that you've heard, how do you respond in a way that reflects God and honors His work in your life?

Join the Conversation: Have a story or a struggle you want to share? Email us at dave@legacydads.org and dante@legacydads.org. You can also find us on Facebook Legacy Dads Online Community and Instagram.

In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, Dave and Dante unpack the transformative shift from performance-based fathering to presence-based fathering. Anchored in1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, the discussion reveals how Paul's model of leadership—focused on exhorting, comforting, and imploring—requires active relational proximity rather than flawless execution. By challenging the myth that fathers must maintain a spotless record, the episode emphasizes that a child's character is shaped most profoundly when a dad owns his mistakes, seeks forgiveness, and actively chooses repair over pride. Packed with actionable takeaways like the "five-minute rule" for confessing short tempers, this conversation equips men to m...

In this powerful episode of Legacy Dads, we confront a quiet pain carrying through generations of men: the ache for a father's blessing that was never spoken. Grounded in the tragic desperation of Esau's cry in Genesis 27 and the transformative redemption of Jacob blessing his sons in Genesis 48–49, "The Blessing You Never Got" explores why silent love is never enough. We unpack the four crucial ingredients of a biblical blessing—spoken, specific, future-shaping, and unconditional—and reveal how Jesus's own identity was spoken before His public performance ever began. Whether you are carrying the weight of a silent past or won...

In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, hosts Dave and Dante challenge fathers to shift their focus from short-term parenting goals to building a multi-generational legacy that outlives them. Drawing from Proverbs 22:6 and Psalm 78:4-7, the episode reframes fatherhood not as a formula for guaranteed immediate outcomes, but as the intentional, long-term act of planting trees whose shade will only be enjoyed by future generations. By examining the biblical "relay race" of faith, the hosts emphasize that passing down values requires specific, simple, and repeatable mechanisms rather than just good intentions. Fathers are ultimately challenged to implement one...

In this episode of Legacy Dads, hosts Dave and Dante share a moving letter from a mother at Dave's church to highlight how a godly man's influence extends far beyond his own home. They emphasize that fatherless or deeply wounded children are constantly watching the men around them, looking for examples to piece together what healthy manhood actually looks like. By simply showing up with consistent integrity, patience, and humility in everyday moments, men can ease the burdens of single mothers and rewrite the concept of fatherhood for a child who has known only absence or abuse. Ultimately, they...

In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, hosts Dave and Dante dive into 2 Corinthians 5:20 to redefine a father's role from a burdened owner to a faithful ambassador of Christ. They tackle the heavy performance pressures, shifting identities, and daily frictions that modern men face, offering a liberating perspective: a dad's authority is delegated, his identity is immutably fixed by the King, and his home is his embassy. By shifting from ownership to stewardship, Dave and Dante challenge fathers to relieve the pressure of perfection, anchor their souls in their divine title, and embrace a ministry of reconciliation over...

In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, hosts Dave and Dante sit down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, to discuss the often-overlooked challenges of parenting adult children. Centered around her book, Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children, the conversation addresses the "identity crisis" many fathers face when their role shifts from protector and fixer to a more hands-off, supportive influence. Dr. Koch offers practical, biblical strategies for releasing control, overcoming "dad guilt" from past mistakes, and navigating the tension between loving a child and endorsing their lifestyle choices. Ultimately, the episode...

In this episode of the Legacy Dads podcast, host Dante Girolimon and guest co-host Joe Svoboda are joined by leadership expert Mac Lake to discuss the intersection of ministry, multiplication, and intentional fatherhood. Drawing from his decades of experience and the framework of the "Leadership Pipeline," Lake shares how his philosophy evolved from a passion for church reproduction to a deep conviction that every father is called to be a "multiplier" in his own home.

The conversation moves through the distinct seasons of parenting—from the high-energy early years of building family culture to the nuanced shift of...

In this episode, the Legacy Dads sit down with Dr. Tom Ascol to discuss the intersection of deep theology and daily fatherhood. As a seasoned pastor, author, and father, Tom brings a wealth of wisdom on what it means to lead a family with biblical clarity in an increasingly confused culture. We dive into the "Long Game" of parenting and why the fear of God is the ultimate antidote to the fears of this world.

Connect with Tom Ascol

https://founders.org/podcasts/tstt-gods-gift-of-elders-to-his-church/

on X: https://x.com/tomascol?s=20

...

In this final episode of our four-part series, Dave and Dante tackle the "Great Release"—the pivotal transition from parenting by authority to leading through influence as your children enter young adulthood. Grounded in the joy of 3 John 1:4, we explore how to stay spiritually connected without becoming controlling, providing a roadmap for fathers whose children are navigating college, careers, or even seasons of doubt and deconstruction. Whether you're learning to trust the foundation you've built or figuring out how to be a "safe harbor" during their recalibration, this episode challenges you to stop trying to control the outcome and st...

The teenage years are often viewed with dread by parents, but for the Legacy Dad, they represent the most crucial season of discipleship. In this episode, Dave and Dante discuss how to move from being a "manager" of your child's life to a "mentor" of their soul. It's about anchoring them in biblical truth while providing the safe harbor they need to navigate identity, doubt, and independence.

Connect With Us

Join the Conversation: Have a story or a struggle you want to share? Email us at dave@legacydads.org and dante@legacydads.org. You can also...

In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, Dave and Dante dive into the "Training Wheels" phase of fatherhood—discipling adolescents aged 8 to 12. This is a critical developmental window where children shift from simply absorbing their parents' beliefs to investigating the "why" behind them.

The conversation centers on Proverbs 4:23, highlighting the father's role in helping children "guard their hearts" as they begin to encounter more complex social and cultural pressures. Dave and Dante discuss the transition from providing "spiritual milk" to "solid food," offering practical strategies for teaching kids how to read the Bible independently and apply a...

Episode Summary

Parenting a toddler feels like planting a garden in the middle of a windstorm—chaotic, messy, and loud. But it is also the most critical season for planting seeds that will last a lifetime. In this episode, Dave and Dante break down the "why" and "how" of discipling children ages 2–7. We're moving away from the pressure of perfection and leaning into the beauty of simple, faithful rhythms that point little hearts toward their Creator.

Key Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – The mandate to weave faith into the fabric of everyday life.

Matthe...

In this hard-hitting episode, Dave and Dante tackle a sobering question: Have churches in the West gotten discipleship wrong?

The data is alarming. The mission is clear. And the stakes are generational.

Jesus' final command in Gospel of Matthew 28:19–20 wasn't to build programs, grow attendance, or launch niche ministries. It was simple and direct:

"Go therefore and make disciples…"

So why are so few men being discipled? And what does that mean for our families, churches, and culture?

The Discipleship Crisis

90 million men in America are NOT invo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the generational mission of fatherhood. We move beyond the traditional metrics of "success"—finances and career—to explore the weight and beauty of building a spiritual legacy. It's not about being a perfect theologian; it's about being a present, consistent, and humble leader who treats God as a reality, not just a concept.

Pick one spiritual habit to start this week. Don't overcomplicate it. Whether it's praying before bed, reading one verse at dinner, or simply blessing your children with your words—start small, but start now. Remember: God doesn't need y...

In this episode of the, we dive into Hebrews 11—often called the Hall of Faith—to explore what biblical faith really looks like and how it shapes the legacy we leave as men, husbands, and fathers. This chapter isn't about flawless heroes; it's about ordinary people who trusted God in extraordinary circumstances. Their faith wasn't passive belief, but active obedience—often costly, uncomfortable, and unseen by the world.

Hebrews 11 challenges modern dads to rethink success, security, and legacy. The men and women highlighted here lived with their eyes fixed on God's promises rather than immediate comfort or cultura...

Why does disagreement so quickly turn into outrage, mob mentality, or even violence in today's culture? In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, Dave and Dante examine the spiritual and relational roots behind the destruction of disagreement. From the loss of a shared moral center to identity-driven conflict and the rejection of authority, they explore what Scripture says about restraint, suffering, and peacemaking. This timely conversation challenges Christian fathers to model conviction with humility, truth with love, and strength under control in a fractured world.

For more about Legacy Dads, click here: Legacy Dads We...

In this episode, Dave and Dante tackle one of the most challenging and controversial cultural issues facing the Church today: feminism and its downstream effects on gender, family, and Christian discipleship. Drawing from the work of Rosaria Butterfield, Dr. Joe Rigney, and Scripture, the conversation examines how feminist ideology—once framed as liberation—has ultimately collapsed under its own contradictions and found an unexpected refuge inside evangelical Christianity.

This is not a conversation about hating women. It is a conversation about loving truth, protecting families, and forming faithful sons and daughters in an anti-Christian age.

For...

LEGACY DADS PODCAST — "I Have Finished the Race: Consistency Over Speed"

Episode Overview

In this episode, we reflect on Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4 — not as a victory lap of perfection, but as a testimony of perseverance, faithfulness, and steady obedience over time. Many dads start strong… but fewer finish steady. We talk about the difference between sprinting through seasons of fatherhood and faithfully running the long race God has placed before us.

This conversation encourages dads to value presence over intensity, consistency over emotional bursts, and long-term faithfulness over short-term momentum. We also discus...

📖 EPISODE OVERVIEW

Christmas doesn't begin in Bethlehem—it begins with a promise.

In this final episode of Christmas in Genesis, Dave and Dante unpack Judah's prophecy from Genesis 49, where Jacob speaks of a coming King whose reign will never end. This ancient blessing points directly to Jesus, the Lion of Judah, and reveals what true kingship looks like—strength under control, authority with humility, and leadership rooted in sacrifice.

For fathers, this passage challenges how we think about power, leadership, and legacy in our homes.

👑 KEY SCRIPTURE

"The scepter shall not...

📖 Episode Overview

When we think of Christmas, we often picture peace, perfection, and tidy manger scenes. But when we look back to Genesis, we find something very different — broken people, dysfunctional families, and repeated failure.

In this episode of the Christmas in Genesis series, Dave and Dante walk through the messy family tree that leads to Jesus and reveal a powerful truth every dad needs to hear:

God doesn't wait for perfect families — He works through broken ones.

From Abraham's deception, to Jacob's favoritism, to Judah's moral collapse, Genesis makes one thing clear: the lin...

📖 Episode Overview

In this challenging and timely conversation, Dave and Dante sit down with theologian and author Dr. Joe Rigney to discuss a topic that has sparked significant debate in both Christian and cultural spaces: the sin of empathy.

Empathy is often celebrated as an unquestioned virtue—but what happens when empathy is detached from truth? Dr. Rigney helps clarify the difference between biblical compassion and disordered empathy, showing how misplaced emotional identification can lead men away from wisdom, courage, and faithful leadership.

This episode is especially relevant for fathers and husbands navigating emoti...

In this first episode of our Christmas in Genesis series, Dave and Dante take listeners all the way back to the beginning — literally. Before shepherds heard angels sing, before Mary received Gabriel's announcement, before Bethlehem was even a town, God Himself declared the very first Christmas promise in Genesis 3:15.

This passage — often called the Protoevangelium, or "first gospel" — reveals God's redemptive plan immediately after humanity's fall. In this episode, we unpack how this ancient verse points forward to Jesus, what it teaches us about sin, hope, and spiritual warfare, and how men can lead their families with the co...

Dante has a conversation with friend and elder David Kline about the fall of capitalism when good men do nothing. The conversation covers a bit of history around socialism and communism and transitions to the truth found in Scripture...that Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Listen in and enjoy the conversation!

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In this powerful conversation, Dave and Dante sit down with Clifford Stephan, founder of BoozeVacation.com, to talk about the journey of taking a "vacation" from drinking and how intentional breaks from alcohol can transform your faith, family life, health, and leadership.

Clifford shares his personal story, the moment he realized alcohol was holding him back, and why he built a community to help others explore life with less booze — or none at all. This episode encourages men to evaluate their habits, prioritize their spiritual and physical health, and lead their families with clarity and conviction.

In this powerful episode, Dave and Dante sit down with Daniel Puder—former MMA fighter turned educator and youth advocate—to discuss the urgent challenges facing today's schools, kids, and families. Puder shares how his experience in the cage shaped his passion for protecting and empowering young people, and why he believes our education system needs a complete culture shift.

https://mlmpipa.org/

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🎧 Episode Description

In this episode, we dive into the latest research from Barna on how Americans view truth and morality. The findings reveal a culture increasingly skeptical of moral absolutes and more reliant on personal feelings and pluralistic sources of truth. As dads who want to pass on a legacy of clarity, conviction, and faith, we'll explore what this means for our families, our faith, and how we model truth for the next generation.

1. Setting the Scene – What the Research Says

The survey shows ≈ 74% of adults say they trust their feelings over facts when...

🧩 Episode Overview

In this episode, the guys unpack the often-overlooked spiritual value of humor. As Christian men, we can sometimes take life — and ourselves — too seriously. But laughter is one of God's gifts that brings healing, unity, and perspective to our families and communities.

Dante and Dave discuss how humor:

Strengthens relationships with our wives and kids,

Keeps us humble and human,

Relieves stress in tense seasons, and

Reflects the joy we have in Christ.

Humor Is Biblical: God created laughter and joy. From Elijah's sarcasm on M...

🧔🏻‍♂️ Episode Summary:
In this episode, Dave and Dante dive into the brief but bold story of Shammah, one of David's mighty men, found in 2 Samuel 23:11–12. Though only given two verses in the Bible, Shammah's example of standing firm when everyone else fled offers a powerful challenge to Christian men today.
This is a call to faithfulness over fame, courage over compromise, and obedience over outcomes.
Dave and Dante break down what it means to identify your "field" — your calling, your responsibilities, your God-given territory — and stand your ground when the enemy tries to take it.

🔑 Key Takeaways...

🔥 Episode Overview

In this episode, Dave and Dante tackle one of the biggest cultural and spiritual questions facing Christian men today:

Should our faith influence our political decisions — or should religion stay out of politics?

A recent survey shared by Answers in Genesis found that over half of U.S. adults believe religion should not play a role in politics — and even among Christians, many agree.

But as men of faith, husbands, and fathers, we're called to lead with integrity and consistency. This episode dives into what Scripture says about how faith should shape e...

In this episode, Dave takes on one of the biggest challenges Christian men face today: compromise. What happens when we trade our integrity for comfort?

We live in a world that rewards convenience, but God calls us to conviction. Every time we lower our standard, something sacred is lost - our witness, our credibility, our peace.

Listen in as Dave unpacks how to identify compromise, count its cost, and take steps to rebuild a life of integrity and strength.

💪🏽 Challenge of the Week

Ask yourself:
1. Where have I traded integrity for co...

In this powerful and sobering episode, we reflect on the recent deaths of Charlie Kirk and Pastor Voddie Baucham — two bold men who shaped our generation and challenged Christian men to stand firm in truth. Their sudden passing reminds us of life's fragility and the urgent call to live faithfully, boldly, and ready.

What does it mean to be "ready" in our time? Spiritually, morally, practically, and missionally? This episode challenges Christian men to confront their mortality, examine their legacy, and rise to the calling God has placed on their lives.

📖 Scriptures Referenced

James...

In this episode, Lance and Dante talk with husband, father, pastor, and author Matt Chandler and discuss his soon-to-be-published book and 30-day devotional "Find Your Fire Again." In this latest work, Matt invites readers to reignite their passion for Christ, rediscover spiritual vitality, and pursue a faith that burns bright in a distracted and weary world. Listen in and go get your copies when they publish in October!

Learn more about Matt Chandler here: Matt's Website

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Le...

Legacy Dads podcast is entering its tenth season. In this episode, the guys discuss what it looks like to reset as man, husband, and father. Listen in and see where you can apply what they talk about into your lives today!

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The guys were lucky enough to sit down with Jim Daly, the president and CEO of Focus on the Family. Jim shares his insights on fatherhood and marriage, and talks through how to lean into God when our circumstances lead us further away from Him. Listen in and go check out Focus' resources today!

Go here for more information: Focus on the Family Website

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In this episode, the guys had the pleasure to sit down with Glenn Stanton. Glenn is the Director of Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family. He is a prominent voice on issues of family, sex, and gender, and frequently debates and lectures on these topics at universities and churches worldwide. Stanton has authored nine books (including "The Myth of the Dying Church," and "Loving my (LGBT) neighbor - exploring Christianity's role in contemporary society and how Christians can engage with the LGBTQ+ Community") and is a senior contributor to the Federalist blog.  Glen is a husband a...

Max Lucado is one of the most well-known pastors and authors of our time, and he joined Dave and Dante on the Legacy Dads Podcast. Listen in as he talks through some of the points of his new book "Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life." In Tame Your Thoughts, Max explores three key thought-management tools and then applies them to the most common thought problems: worry, guilt, anxiety, and other types of mental quicksand that threaten to trap us. God loves us too much to let us lead a life marked by...