Dad Tired
You’re tired. Not just physically; though yeah, that too. You’re tired in your bones. In your soul. Trying to be a steady husband, an intentional dad, a man of God… but deep down, you feel like you’re falling short. Like you’re carrying more than you know how to hold. Dad Tired is a podcast for men who are ready to stop pretending and start healing. Not with self-help tips or religious platitudes, but by anchoring their lives in something (and Someone) stronger. Hosted by Jerrad Lopes, a husband, dad of four, and fellow struggler, this show is a weekl...
Does Your Family Get the Best Version of You?
Do other people get a better version of you than your wife and kids get?
Recorded outdoors in Guatemala during the first Dad Tired Family Missions Trip, Jerrad sits down with a group of dads for an honest conversation about the gap between the fathers they hoped to be and the men their families experience.
They talk about replaying parenting mistakes at bedtime, struggling with emotional consistency, watching their own anger show up in their children, and giving so much to others that their families get what’s left.
Then Jerrad asks one fi...
Are You The Man You Wanted to Be?
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You want to be a present dad, an intentional husband, a healthy man, and a faithful follower of Jesus. But does your calendar make room for the things you say matter most?
Recording from Antigua, Guatemala, Jerrad Lopes shares an honest look at the gap between his priorities and his schedule—and the simple exercise he’s using to bring them together. Instead of trying to do everything ever...
Are You Sure You're Saved? Ask Yourself This.
Are You Sure You're Saved? Ask Yourself This.
If you died tonight, how confident are you that you'd spend eternity with Jesus? A five? A seven? A ten?
For many Christian men, that question brings up more anxiety than confidence. We believe in Jesus, but we still struggle with doubt, repeat the same sins, and wonder whether we're doing enough to be saved.
In this episode of Dad Tired, guest host Pastor Chris Hilken of College Ave Church in San Diego tackles one of the most important questions of the Christian faith: How...
What Your Kids Need More Than a Perfect Dad
What do you do when you want to lead your family toward Jesus, but your own failures make you feel like a hypocrite?
Jerrad sits down with pastor, author, and Family Discipleship Podcast host Adam Griffin to talk about fatherhood, spiritual leadership, and learning to start again.
They discuss the dad who loses his temper in the morning and feels unqualified to pray with his kids at night, why repentance belongs in family discipleship, and how to keep showing up when growth feels painfully slow.
There’s also plenty of laughter, a last-minute fa...
Leading Your Family When You Feel Far From God
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You want your wife and kids to grow closer to Jesus. But what happens when you don’t feel close to him yourself?
With a cup of coffee on the back patio, Jerrad wrestles with a question that came up twice at men’s events this week—and one he’s faced in his own life. He shares how shame, exhaustion, and the quiet belief that we can h...
When Your Kids Are Struggling, Where Do You Start?
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You love your kids. But when they’re struggling, it’s hard to know what to do. Come down harder? Give them space? Make another rule?
In this honest ramble, Jerrad shares what he’s learning while navigating a challenging season of parenting four kids. From praying with his wife to laughing over Mario Kart, he explores what it looks like to move toward your kids relationally while still...
What Version of You Is Your Family Getting?
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Does your family know what to expect when you walk through the door—or do they have to figure out which version of you showed up?
After a stomach bug leaves Jerrad and his son stranded at a Mississippi airport, an unexpected road trip sparks a conversation about protecting your family, showing up with intention, and becoming a consistent man.
...
The Secret You Planned to Take to the Grave
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What are you carrying that you’ve quietly decided to take to the grave?
Maybe it’s sin. Maybe it’s shame, pain, resentment, addiction, or something that happened to you. You’ve convinced yourself that keeping it hidden protects the people you love—but hidden pain never stays contained. Eventually, it leaks into your marriage, your parenting, and the way you see yourself.
In this deeply per...
What If Your Deepest Wound Becomes Your Greatest Ministry?
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Jonathan Almonte grew up in extreme poverty in the Dominican Republic, without a father in the home and believing that joining a gang might be his best path to a better life.
But God began changing his story through a local church, a childhood friend, and a Compassion International sponsor who faithfully wrote him letters from Michigan. Years later, when Jonathan’s father to...
Why You’ve Stopped Dreaming About Your Future
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When was the last time you felt genuinely excited about your future?
For a lot of men, life slowly becomes survival mode—work, bills, marriage, kids, responsibilities, repeat. Somewhere along the way, we stop dreaming.
In this off-the-cuff episode, Jerrad shares three dreams that have been stirring in his heart for the future of Dad Tired, in...
The Dead Things You’ve Learned to Live With
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Sin rarely destroys a man’s life all at once. More often, it slowly kills his joy, peace, intimacy, trust, focus, and spiritual health—and eventually, he gets used to living around the damage.
In this episode, Jerrad asks a difficult question: What has died in your life as a result of sin? Through an honest personal confession, the story of a refrigerator fill...
God Is Awake, So You Can Sleep (with Brett McCracken)
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What if sleep isn’t wasted time, weakness, or something to squeeze in after everything else is done? What if it is actually one of God’s most practical invitations to trust Him?
In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Brett McCracken, senior editor and director of communications at The Gospel Coalition and author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God’s Trut...
When The Enemy Gets in Your Head
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What is really happening when anger, discouragement, anxiety, or apathy suddenly takes over?
In this raw solo episode, Jerrad processes his own battle with comparison and insecurity after watching other successful men in ministry. What initially felt like simple discouragement revealed something much deeper: an old wound had been touched, and the enemy was using it to whisper familiar lies.
Jerrad...
Granger Smith on Grief, True Conversion, and Gaining a New Identity
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In this deeply moving episode of Dad Tired, Jerrad sits down with former country music star Granger Smith for a raw and hope-filled conversation about grief, faith, and true conversion.
Granger opens up about the tragic loss of his three-year-old son, River, the darkness that followed, and the moment on a tour bus when he cried out for Jesus to save him...
Green Beret Shot in the Throat Reveals the Wound That Hurt Worse
Former Green Beret John Arroyo survived the 2014 Fort Hood mass shooting after being shot through the throat. But in this powerful conversation, John shares why the deepest wound of his life wasn’t the bullet — it was growing up without a father.
John and Jerrad talk about father wounds, gangs, addiction, becoming a teenage dad, military life, trauma, and the healing power of realizing that God had been with him all along.
This is one of the most moving conversations we’ve ever had on Dad Tired.
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Should You Make Your Kids Go To Church?
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In this episode of Dad Tired, Jerrad sits down with Kaleb and Chris for an honest conversation about one of the most common tensions Christian parents face: What do I do when my kid doesn’t want to go to church anymore?
Together, they talk through the difference between forcing empty religion and faithfully leading your home, why Sunday worship is ab...
The Kind of Friendship Every Man Needs
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What does real friendship actually look like for men?
In this episode of Dad Tired, Jerrad is joined by Kaleb Allen and Chris Hilken for an honest conversation about brotherhood, grief, betrayal, loneliness, and the kind of friendship that goes far deeper than networking, convenience, or shared success.
Together, they talk about why so many men struggle to build meaningful...
Raising Kids Who Feel Known, Loved, and Prepared for Life (with Dr. Kathy Koch)
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In this episode of Dad Tired, Jerrad sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, to talk about raising kids who feel fully known, deeply loved, and prepared for life.
Dr. Kathy shares practical wisdom for Christian dads on speaking identity over their children, understanding different learning styles, building emotional intelligence, avoiding over-parenting, and...
Did You Know About This?
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Hey guys, quick update from Jerrad.
As you’re listening to this, I’m currently in Alaska with my son and a group of Dad Tired dads and sons for a father-son rite of passage trip.
This season is packed with Dad Tired events, including the Alaska trip, Family Camp, our family mission trip to Guatemala, the annual Dad Tired retreat, and upcoming one-day conferences. Because of that, the podcast schedule may look a little different over the next...
How To *actually* Care For Your Soul (with Kaleb Allen)
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When your soul feels anxious, restless, angry, or worn down, what do you do?
In this episode of Dad Tired, Pastor Kaleb points men back to one of the most overlooked gifts God has given us for caring for our souls: the Psalms. The Psalms give language to the deepest parts of us — our fear, sorrow, repentance, betrayal, joy, gratitude, and ho...
Why Your Not Seeing God's Power in Your Life
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Sometimes the only way to see God do what only He can do is to stop trying to control the outcome. In this episode, Jerrad reflects on Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal and the bold moment when Elijah poured water over the altar before asking God to send fire. For dads who feel the pull to manage, manipulate, or quietly “shuffle the deck...
How to Raise Capable Kids (with David Thomas)
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Mentioned: The Anxious Generation & The Amazing Generation
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In this episode, Jerrad sits down with David Thomas, executive director of Daystar Counseling Ministries and co-author of Capable, for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation on raising resilient kids.
David explains why our goal as parents should not simply be to raise happy...
How To Make Your Home More Holy
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In this devotional episode of Dad Tired, Jerrad walks through the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18, where Abraham welcomes the Lord into his home with reverence, urgency, and hospitality.
Abraham creates an environment where God is honored and welcomed, but what’s striking is that God comes to speak di...
What if You’re Not Who You Think You Are? (with John Mark McMillan)
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What if the life you’ve built to survive is keeping you from the life God actually made you for?
In this episode, Jerrad sits down with songwriter, worship leader, recording artist, and author John Mark McMillan, best known for writing “How He Loves.” Together, they talk about identity, family, creativity, contemplation, and what it looks like to pee...
Work, Rest, Calling, and the Goodness of God (with Jordan Raynor)
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...
Best Thinking, Best Attention, Best Mood
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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.
The Difference Between Surrender and Contentment (with Tim Timmons)
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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:
Contentment vs surrenderParenting and repairThe pressure Christian men carryLiving sober-minded in a distracted worldWhy the Kingdom of God threatens our own kingdomsThis episode feels like...
What Jesus Meant About Cutting Things Off
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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...
How to Find Work You Actually Care About (with Ken Coleman)
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.
Are You Feeding Your Soul? (Kaleb Allen)
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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...
Why So Many Men Feel Off (comedian Tim Hawkins)
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.
What Are You Still Chasing (John 4 Devotional)
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?
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Own Less, Live More: Finding Peace in a Cluttered World (minimalist Joshua Becker)
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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.
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Who Are You Ignoring Right Now?
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Jesus didn’t avoid Samaria—He walked straight into it.
In this devotional from John 4, we’re reminded that:
We often ignore the very people Jesus would pursueWe carry the gift of living waterAnd we’ve been sent on mission, whether we realize it or notSimple. Direct. But it’ll challenge the way you move through your day.
Jesus Isn’t Your Consultant… He’s Your King (Kyle Idleman)
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.
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Even While You’re “Asleep”… God Is Working
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.
Fix Your Money, Find Your Peace: George Kamel
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:
why so many men feel financially overwhelmed (even with good income)how money stress is quietly affecting your marriage and leadershipthe trap of thinking “I just need to make more”how to actually get control of your finances (practic...Why Jesus Won’t Answer Your Prayer the Way You Want
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?
The Lie Every Man Believes About His Past (Jermaine Wilson)
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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...
If God Is In You… Why Doesn’t It Feel Like It?
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.
