Dad Tired

What if your job, your parenting, your neighborhood, and your ordinary Monday morning all mattered deeply to God?

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with returning guest Jordan Raynor for a wide-ranging conversation about work, calling, the Holy Spirit, fatherhood, and the lies that keep Christian men exhausted.

Jordan unpacks why work existed before sin, how our daily jobs can be worship, and why the Holy Spirit empowers us not just for salvation, but for the good works God has prepared for us. The conversation also moves into evangelism, neighborhood faithfulness, the kindness of God...

Host or Attend a Dad Tired One Day Conference

Who or what gets your best attention, your best thinking, and your best mood?

In today’s Dad Tired Daily episode, Jerrad shares a convicting moment from a normal drive to school with his kids. After dropping them off, he realized he had not said a single word to them the entire drive. Not because he was angry. Not because he didn’t love them. But because his mind was consumed with work, stress, responsibilities, and the long list of things he needed to get done.

Attend the Dad Tired Annual Retreat & Join the FREE Family Leadership Program

Jerrad sits down with Tim Timmons for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the podcast. 

Tim shares about living with stage 4 cancer for over 25 years, the exhaustion of trying to “work for God,” and how he’s learning to simply wake up each day and join Jesus.

Together, they talk about:

This episode feels like...

Join of at the Dad Tired Annual Retreat

In this episode, Jerrad reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 and what it really means to take sin seriously. 

After nearly two years off social media, he shares how removing constant digital input transformed his mind, reduced temptation, and brought a level of peace he didn’t know he was missing.

This isn’t about rules.
It’s about freedom.

If something in your life is pulling you away from who God is calling you to be, maybe the answer isn’t managing it...

Want to be the spiritual leader of your home? Start HERE. 

Most men don’t hate work because they’re lazy.
They hate work because they’re misaligned.

In this conversation with Ken Coleman, we talk about why so many men feel stuck, how to find clarity in your calling, and what it looks like to pursue meaningful work without sacrificing your family.

If you’ve been feeling confused, burned out, or unsure of your next step—this episode will help you take one.

Clarity → Confidence → Courage.

Join or Host a One Day Conference
Sign Up for the Annual Retreat

In today’s Dad Tired Daily, Pastor Kaleb Allen wraps up a powerful 3-part series by walking through John 4—the story of the woman at the well.

Jesus challenges more than just her past… He challenges our perspective, our prejudices, and our purpose.

While the disciples are focused on physical food, Jesus reveals something deeper:
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me.”

What if the reason your soul feels tired… isn...

This one starts funny… and gets real fast.

In this conversation with Tim Hawkins, we talk about why so many men feel stuck—even when life looks good on the outside.

We get into burnout, chasing affirmation, marriage struggles, and what it actually looks like to heal.

If something feels off… this might be why.

How many times do we go back to the same thing… hoping it will finally satisfy?

In this devotional from Pastor Kaleb Allen (John 4), we look at the “five husbands” idea and ask a hard question:

What are you still chasing?

Attend the Dad Tired Retreat

Today's Sponsor: Backgate Prayers (use promo code DADTIRED)

You don’t need more stuff.

You need more clarity.

In this episode, Joshua Becker and I talk about minimalism, contentment, and why so many men feel overwhelmed right now.

We get into the connection between your possessions and your peace… and how simplifying your life can actually help you become a better husband, dad, and disciple of Jesus.

Grab a copy of Joshua's Book HERE

New to Dad Tired? Click HERE for a FREE Gift

Jesus didn’t avoid Samaria—He walked straight into it.

In this devotional from John 4, we’re reminded that:

Simple. Direct. But it’ll challenge the way you move through your day.

Most men don’t reject Jesus—they reshape Him.

In this conversation with Kyle Idleman, we unpack what it really means to follow Jesus as Messiah and King, not just Savior.

If your faith feels shallow, comfortable, or disconnected from real life… this might be why.

Mentioned in today's Episode:
- Dad Tired One Dy Conferences
- Attend the Annual Retreat
- Become a Dad Tired Partner
- Shop the Dad Tired Store
- Cozy Earth BOGO: DADTIREDBOGO
- Kyle's new book

You feel stuck. Like you're not growing. Like you're failing more than you're winning.

But in Genesis 15, God shows us something powerful:

The promise doesn’t depend on you.

While Abram was asleep… God made a covenant with Himself.

Meaning—God will finish what He started in you.

So take a breath today. You’re not behind.

God’s not done with you.

Most guys don’t feel broke because they don’t make enough money…

They feel broke because everything feels out of control.

In this episode, I sit down with George Kamel to talk about something we don’t address enough as men:

👉 the connection between your money… and your peace

We talk about:

Palm Sunday began with “Hosanna”… and ended with “Crucify Him.”

Why? Because Jesus didn’t meet their expectations.

In this episode, we wrestle with a hard truth: sometimes Jesus won’t fix the thing you’re asking Him to fix—because He’s going after something deeper.

The question is… if He doesn’t show up the way you hoped, will you still trust Him as King?

Mentioned in today's Episode:
- Dad Tired One Dy Conferences
- Attend the Annual Retreat
- Become a Dad Tired Partner
- Shop the Dad Tired Store
- Prison Fellowship

Most men carry a story they’re ashamed of.

Bad decisions.
A past they wish they could erase.
A quiet fear that maybe they’ve already messed things up too badly.

Jermaine Wilson knows that feeling.

By 15 he was in juvenile corrections.
By 19 he was in prison again… holding his baby son and wonder...

Ever feel like you’re doing all of this on your own?

Work, marriage, parenting… it can feel heavy.

But Jesus made a promise in John 14—He wouldn’t leave you as an orphan.

In this episode, a simple but powerful reminder:
you’re not alone… and you were never meant to live like you are.

What would you do if $5 million was on the line?

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Beast Games runner-up Cory Sims — the fan favorite who captured hearts by refusing to compromise his faith and integrity.

Cory shares what it was like to:

• Compete for 42 days without phones or outside contact
• Face life-changing decisions with $5 million on the line
• Lose the final challenge — and discover God had a bigger plan

We also talk about fatherhood, faith under pressure, and the surprising lesson Cory learned after walking away without the money.

Mentioned in today's Episode:
- The Kids Go Bible
- Love & Respect Book
- Dad Tired One Dy Conferences
- Lightbulb Moments in Marriage Book
- Become a Dad Tired Partner
- Shop the Dad Tired Store

Most couples don’t wake up thinking: “How can I frustrate my spouse today?”

And yet we still end up in the same exhausting cycle.

She feels unloved.
He feels disrespected.
She pushes harder.
He shuts down.

Round and round it goes.

Today...

Stay up to date: Subscribe to the Newsletter

He spent years building a creative career, only to watch it completely unravel.

He assumed he could fix it, hustling harder to avoid going backwards financially.

That was his story.

For years, author Doug McKelvey chased commercial success as a songwriter and scriptwriter—until a devastating season in his late 40s stripped away his pride. In that dark place, he realized how inadequate his ability to truly love his family was without Jesus.

Until a season of brokenness changed everything.

...

For years, Dad Tired founder Jerrad Lopes has dreamed about taking dads and their families on a mission trip together. In this episode, he shares an exciting new opportunity for Dad Tired families to serve alongside him and his own family in Guatemala in October 2026.

The trip will partner with the missions organization Adventures in Missions to serve local communities outside Guatemala City. Families will have opportunities to participate in meaningful work such as serving in children’s programs, supporting local ministries, building safer cooking stoves for families, and potentially helping build a home for someone in ne...

Host a conference at your church: LEARN MORE

There’s a pattern in Scripture that shows up again and again:

See.
Desire.
Take.

From Adam to David… and now to us.

In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Joel Muddamalle about the unseen spiritual realities shaping our homes—and how everyday temptations (work, lust, alcohol, ambition) fit into a much bigger story.

If you’ve ever felt like something deeper is at work beneath the surface of your struggles, this conversation will help you put language to it.

Stay up to date: Subscribe to the Newsletter 

Most men don’t believe freedom is possible.

They assume they’ll carry shame, addiction, and secrets for the rest of their lives.

That was his story too.

For years, he struggled silently with porn, lust, and shame—even while loving his wife, following Jesus, and doing everything he thought a “good Christian man” was supposed to do.

Until one conversation changed everything.

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, a Dad Tired listener shares his journey from secrecy to freedom...

If you feel like you’re drowning right now… this one’s for you.

Trying to follow Jesus with integrity.
Trying to love your wife well.
Trying to disciple your kids.
Trying to provide and carry the weight of responsibility.

That’s four heavy bags already.

And then the world keeps asking for more.

More opinions.
More commitments.
More distractions.
More “opportunities.”

In today’s episode, we talk about why it’s okay to say, “My hands are full.”

Why you don’t have to carry...

Today's Sponsor: The Go Bible

Have you ever told Jesus, “I’ll follow you”… but deep down knew there were conditions?

In Luke 9, Jesus encounters three men who all say they want to follow Him. One is overly excited but hasn’t counted the cost. One delays, waiting for a more convenient time. And one wants Jesus—but still keeps looking back.

Each one is close. But none fully surrender.

In this message, we explore the uncomfortable truth about discipleship: following Jesus will cost you everything. Not because He wants to harm you—but...

If you zoom into any single moment of someone’s life, you can draw the wrong conclusion.

David looks like a hero… until you keep reading.
Peter looks unshakable… until the denial.
Moses, Abraham—faithful men with very uneven stories.

And the same is true for us.

In this episode, Jerrad invites you to zoom out on your faith journey. Discipleship isn’t an “up and to the right” chart. It’s more like the stock market—ups, downs, setbacks, growth—all held together by a faithful God who finishes what He starts.

You...

Dadology Parenting Conference for Dads

Most of the discipleship we’ll ever do as fathers happens inside the four walls of our home.

In today’s Dad Tired Devotional, Jerrad reflects on how limited our hands-on time with our kids really is—and why that makes our homes sacred ground. He invites fathers into a simple, practical exercise: finding quiet time to walk through their home and pray over each space, each child, and their marriage.

This isn’t about fear or perfection. It’s about taking spiritual leadership seriously, inviting God’s presence int...

Join us in San Diego for our Dad Conference: dadtired.com/dadology

We’re exhausted because we’re treating temporary things like they’re eternal.

In today’s Dad Tired Devotional, Jerrad reflects on how Scripture constantly reminds us that this life is short—and how remembering eternity actually brings freedom, not fear. From a simple moment at a red light to the words of James, Peter, and the Psalms, this episode is a quiet invitation to zoom out, regain perspective, and stop letting temporary stressors dominate your soul.

When we forget eternity, everything...

There’s a moment in Mark 10 where Jesus stops everything for a blind man crying out on the side of the road.

Bartimaeus doesn’t pray a polished prayer.
He doesn’t say the right words.
He just asks for mercy.

And when the crowd tells him to be quiet, he cries out even louder.

In this short devotional, we talk about why so many men stay vague with God, why the crowd often pressures us to keep it together, and why Jesus asks a simple but confronting question:

“What do...

This week was heavy — not because something catastrophic happened, but because my body acted like it did.

Tight chest. Tense shoulders. Headaches. No sleep.

And that disconnect can be confusing for a lot of men. You know things aren’t a big deal… but your nervous system doesn’t agree.

In this episode, I talk about how trauma memory works, why even a small overlap with past pain can send your body into full survival mode, and why Jesus’ words in John 14:27 matter more than ever when your body feels out of control.

This...

Download the worksheet: Say “No” More

Today’s Sponsor: The Hands On Bible

Why did Jesus say no—and why does that matter for you as a dad?

In this episode, we talk about boundaries, calling, and the quiet cost of saying yes to everything. Jesus didn’t heal people and then automatically bring them along. Sometimes He said no—because He was crystal clear about what He was saying yes to.

If you feel pulled in a hundred directions by work, culture, expectations, and other people’s agendas, this conversation will help you...

What do you do mentally when something hard hits your life?

In this episode, Jerrad shares a real moment from his day—going from gratitude and joy to panic when his email was hacked and multiple problems hit at once. He reflects on two familiar mental paths many men walk: catastrophizing and numbing.

But healing often means cutting a new path.

Using a powerful backpacking metaphor, Jerrad explores how men can stop defaulting to fear and escape, and instead learn to walk the quieter, harder path of gospel truth.

Practice for to...

What if God actually wants to talk to you today?

Not in a dramatic, spiritual, churchy way—but in the middle of your real life. In this episode, Jerrad explores the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 and the surprising way God speaks—not through wind, fire, or earthquakes, but through a gentle whisper.

If your life feels loud, chaotic, or overwhelming, this episode is a simple invitation to slow down, listen, and rediscover the quiet voice of God.

Practice for today:
Take one minute of silence and ask God, “What do You want t...

Today's Sponsors: Backgate Prayers (promo code DTNECKLACE) & Cozy Earth (promo code DADTIREDBOGO)

Why does real life feel boring sometimes?

Why does your phone feel more exciting than prayer, your marriage, or even God?

In this episode, we talk about dopamine—the brain’s reward system—and how our world has hijacked it with cheap, artificial pleasures. From scrolling and porn to sugar and streaming, we’ve trained our souls to crave fireworks instead of candles.

Jerrad shares stories, Scripture, and practical wisdom to help men understand what’s happening in their brains and...

What happens when you don’t deal with what’s going on inside you?

In this episode, we explore how suppressed emotions show up physically in your body, why science is finally catching up to what Scripture has always taught, and how naming what you feel can actually lead to healing.

If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” when you weren’t, this one’s for you.

You don’t have to carry everything you’re holding.

In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad leads a short guided exercise to help you notice what you’re carrying—and discern what God never asked you to hold in the first place. Together, we explore how responsibility, survival, and old wounds can quietly pile up, and how Scripture invites us to cast our burdens on the Lord.

This is a quiet, practical moment of soul care for tired men who want to walk a little lighter today.

Today we’re talking about how dads can make their wife and kids feel loved at a cellular level.

In the Gospels, Jesus often touched people before He healed them. Lepers. The blind. Children. Touch came first—then transformation.

Modern science is now confirming what Scripture has always shown: a simple, intentional hug releases oxytocin, lowers stress, and builds emotional safety. Especially when it comes from a dad.

If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say when your child is overwhelmed—or how to connect with your wife without fixing or performing—this episo...

There’s a difference between remembering your past and being haunted by it.

In this episode, I talk about the narrow road of discipleship—between spiritual amnesia and shame—and why God actually calls us to look back from time to time. Not to punish ourselves, but to remember His faithfulness.

When we look back the right way, one of two things happens:
Gratitude, when we see how far God has brought us.
Repentance, when we realize we’ve drifted or stalled.

What it should never lead to is shame.

Convic...

What happens when God interrupts the dream you worked your whole life to build?

In this episode of the Dad Tired Podcast, Jerrad sits down with country music songwriter and artist Drew Parker for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had.

Drew shares his journey from writing number one songs, touring stadiums, and chasing success—to realizing he was spiritually immature, driven by insecurity, and living for approval. Then came a prayer asking God to be unmistakably clear… and five days later, an answer he couldn’t ignore.

Together, we talk abo...

Most men aren’t unloving — we’re just under-trained in empathy.

In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad shares a personal moment from his marriage and unpacks why empathy is so hard for many men. From childhood survival patterns to chronic stress and the fear that empathy equals agreement, he walks through five common blockers that keep men emotionally distant from their wives and kids.

Then he offers one simple, practical way to grow empathy this week — not by fixing, preaching, or escaping — but by learning to pause, name emotions, and stay present just a little l...

Most of my prayers stay in my head.

In today’s episode, I share a small but meaningful shift I’m making this year: praying out loud every day—especially for my wife and kids.

We talk about Scripture, real life, and even some psychology behind why a calm, spoken prayer can bring peace and safety to those around us.

This isn’t about performing or sounding spiritual.

It’s about letting prayer move from thought to voice.

Question to consider:
What would it look like for you to pray ou...