Father & Friend: Interviews With Everyday Dads

In this powerful episode, Michael shares his journey from a childhood marked by foster care, instability, and loss to becoming a devoted father and pastor. Mike opens up about the negative examples that shaped his early understanding of fatherhood, the moments of peace he found in churches and libraries, and the mentors—both real and philosophical—who helped form his identity.

We explore how true provision goes beyond financial support to include emotional and spiritual presence, and how fathers can intentionally guide their children with love, wisdom, and purpose. Mike reflects on his early draw to faith, his...

🎙️ Summary What if the key to raising faithful, resilient children is as simple—and as hard—as returning to reality? In this episode of Father and Friend, Father Peter Kavanaugh and Educator Benjamin Lyda explore how fathers can reclaim family, work, and worship as sacred acts.

🌱 Episode Overview In a culture of distraction, disconnection, and digital overload, this conversation dives deep into the pursuit of a meaningful family life. Father Peter shares how his family’s 40-acre Texas farm has become a classroom of virtue, work, and wonder—where imagination grows in the dirt and real education begins at the di...

In this conversation, Zach shares his journey from a troubled upbringing and addiction to a fulfilling family life centered around faith and intentional parenting. He discusses the impact of his father's actions on his life, his recovery journey, and the positive practices he has implemented in his family, such as prayer, attending church, and sharing meals together. Zach emphasizes the importance of selflessness and love in fatherhood, aiming to instill strong values in his children as they grow.

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In this conversation, Eric Gilbert, Christian Leadership & Mental Health Coach and founder of Courageous Calling, shares how high-achieving men can overcome anxiety, burnout, and fear-based living through faith, neuroscience, and bold action. With 15 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Eric has guided hundreds of fathers who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and spiritually drained to a life of unwavering confidence rooted in faith. He shares insights from his own upbringing and the impact of his father on his parenting style. The discussion delves into the importance of understanding how to navigate stress, family, and wo...

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Devonte discuss the journey of fatherhood, the impact of personal experiences on parenting, and the importance of faith and prayer in family life. Devonte shares his transformative experiences, including the influence of his parents, the significance of intentional family time, and the continuous learning process in his role as a father. The discussion emphasizes the role of grace in personal development and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God throughout life's challenges.

00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood Journey

01:50 Impactful Life Events Shaping Fatherhood

04:46 The Power of...

In this conversation, Nathan shares his transformative journey of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of leadership, guidance, and protection in raising children. He reflects on his past struggles, the turning point in his marriage, and the steps he took to become a better father and husband. Nathan discusses the significance of mentorship, establishing family routines, and leading by example, while also addressing the challenges of modern parenting, including technology and its impact on children. He concludes with insights on preparing his children for independence and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

00:00 The Journey of Fatherhood<...

In this conversation, Tim and Jason Frishman explore the profound impact of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections, rituals, and routines in nurturing family relationships. They discuss how intentional parenting practices, such as regular family meals and affectionate gestures, can create lasting bonds. Jason shares insights from his experience as a psychologist and men's coach, highlighting the significance of being present and engaged in children's lives. The discussion also touches on the cultural aspects of food and the transformative journey of fathers seeking deeper connections with their children.

00:00 The Purpose of Fatherhood

00:30...

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Michael N. Fineman discuss the challenges of fatherhood, personal growth, and the importance of faith in shaping identity. Michael shares his difficult childhood experiences, his journey to finding faith, and how these elements have influenced his approach to parenting. They explore the significance of understanding God as a father figure, the importance of discipline, and the need for intentionality in building relationships with children. Michael also introduces his initiative, The Fatherhood Code, aimed at supporting fathers in their journey.

SUMMARY

"Blessed be the God of Israel who raised Jesus Christ from the dead." -Morning Prayer. In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Jace Yarbrough explore the multifaceted journey of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of daily routines, prayer, and education in shaping a family's spiritual and moral foundation. Jace shares insights on balancing work and family life, the significance of personal example, and the role of storytelling in faith formation. They discuss the challenges fathers face and the necessity of being present in their children's lives, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of shared experiences and the pursuit of...

In this conversation, Craig Maddern shares his insights on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of being present in children's lives, the value of quality time, and teaching essential life lessons. He discusses practical strategies for engaging with children of different ages and highlights the significance of fostering responsibility through small tasks. Craig reflects on his personal journey from struggling with stress and alcohol to finding joy and fulfillment in family life, illustrating the transformative power of prioritizing family connections.

00:00 Introduction to Fatherhood and Happiness

00:50 The Importance of Being Present

02:32 Engaging with Children...

In this conversation, Tim and Michael discuss the profound impact of fatherhood, sharing personal anecdotes about what it was like being the son of a professional baseball coach who was gone from home for 9 months out of each year. Michael emphasizes the importance of family meals, outdoor activities, and spiritual leadership in parenting. Michael also highlights the significance of prioritizing time spent with family over material possessions and shares insights from his book, which aims to provide life advice for the rising generation.

00:00 The Impact of a Father's Presence

19:37 Building Family Traditions and...

In this conversation, Tim and Darren discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the importance of intentionality in parenting, and the balance between risk and simplicity in life. They explore how to create meaningful connections with children, the impact of generational choices, and the challenges of living in a distracted world. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of being present and the long-term effects of parenting decisions on future generations.

00:00 The Quest for Balance in Fatherhood

02:51 Building Bridges for Future Generations

06:07 Intentional Parenting: Making Connections

08:59 Navigating Technology and Family Time

12:22 The Dichotomy...

In this conversation, Tim and Tom discuss the essential qualities every father should embody, including setting a positive example, fostering emotional connections, and promoting teamwork within the family. Tom shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate challenges, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the role of sacrifice in love. He emphasizes the need for fathers to be emotionally available and supportive, while also addressing the fear of losing connection with their children as they grow older. Tom's journey into marriage improvement coaching stems from his desire to help others build strong family dynamics and maintain healthy relationships.<...

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Michael discuss the vital role of fathers in their children's lives, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership and family dynamics. They explore their daily family life, the significance of shared meals, and the creation of a team environment within the family. Michael reflects on his upbringing, contrasting it with his current parenting style, which focuses on engagement and outdoor activities while limiting screen time. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of parenting, the importance of being present, and the need for a supportive family structure. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various...

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Josh discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the importance of open communication between fathers and children, and the impact of parental guidance on topics like sexual education. They reflect on their own experiences growing up in large families, the challenges of connecting with their fathers, and the lessons learned from those relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for fathers to engage with their children in meaningful ways, fostering an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, especially regarding sensitive topics. They emphasize the need for parents to be approachable and to provide age-appropriate answers to...

In this conversation, Tim and Stephen reflect on the meaning of fatherhood, sharing insights from Stephen's upbringing as a pastor's kid and the lessons he aims to carry forward into his own parenting. We discuss the importance of relationships, presence, and intentionality in parenting, as well as the challenges of prioritizing family in a busy life. Through anecdotes and reflections, he emphasizes the value of including children in daily activities and the significance of family traditions and values. We explore the importance of applying skills learned in the workplace to family life, emphasizing emotional intelligence and active listening. We...

In this conversation, DJ and Alec, co-hosts of the podcast Fatherhood Unscripted, share their experiences and insights on fatherhood. They discuss their upbringing, the importance of intentional parenting, and the emotional safety of children. The conversation delves into themes of forgiveness, breaking generational curses, and the significance of teamwork in parenting. They emphasize the need to connect with children on their level and create lasting memories through intentional activities. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of being a present and engaged father.

In this interview, we discuss:

00:00 Introduction

02:04 Reflections on Upbringing and...

In this conversation, Tim and Mike discuss the journey of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of open communication, intentional family activities, and the need for patience and understanding in parenting. They reflect on their own experiences and the lessons learned from their fathers, while also sharing practical advice on how to foster a supportive environment for children, especially during their teenage years. The discussion highlights the significance of being approachable and available for children, ensuring they feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings.

In this interview, we discuss:

00:00 Creating an Open Dialogue with Kids

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Ross discuss the complexities of fatherhood, reflecting on their personal experiences and the lessons learned along the way. They explore the challenges of parenting, the impact of divorce, and the importance of creating lasting memories with family. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intentional time spent together, the influence of upbringing on parenting styles, and the role of marriage in providing stability for children. In this conversation, Tim shares his insights on parenting, faith, and the challenges of raising children in a modern world. Ross reflects on the importance of authentic church experiences...

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and Alan discuss the importance of intentional parenting, focusing on being present for their children, maintaining communication as they grow older, and breaking generational patterns of distance in parenting. Alan shares his experiences of how he prioritized family time, the challenges of parenting through adolescence, and the spiritual lessons he wishes he had emphasized more. The conversation highlights the significance of love, communication, and the impact of faith in raising children.

In this interview, we discuss:

00:00 Intentional Parenting: The Importance of Being Present

09:46 Maintaining Connections: Family...

In this conversation, Tim Anderson and J Mike explore the profound journey of fatherhood, reflecting on personal experiences, family dynamics, and the lessons learned from their own upbringings. They discuss the importance of commitment, work ethic, and the need for open communication in parenting. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of conflict resolution as a means for growth and the value of treating children with respect and honesty in their communication. In this conversation, Tim discusses the importance of open communication with children, emphasizing the need to address difficult topics and foster confidence. He shares insights on the role of...

Welcome to Father and Friend, where we dive into the heart of fatherhood and family life. In this episode, Tim sits down with Paul Aragones, a spiritual marriage coach, to explore how his personal struggles and triumphs in marriage have shaped his mission to help couples worldwide. Paul shares insights and powerful lessons from his 14-year marriage, emphasizing hope, renewal, and perseverance.

In this episode, we discuss: