Dad Tired Daily 004: Lions, a Thousand Cuts, and Gratitude

Host a Dad Tired Conference at Your Church Some days don’t fall apart because of one big thing.They fall apart because of a hundred small ones.The gas light comes on.The kids spill something.The ice cream cone hits the floor.Nothing catastrophic happens… and yet everything feels heavy.In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, we talk about what psychologists call negativity bias—the way our brains are wired to fixate on what’s going wrong instead of what’s going right. It’s not because you’re ungrateful or negative. It’s because your brain is trained to look for threats.But here’s the good news: what you pay attention to, your brain prioritizes.Scripture tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and “Forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Gratitude isn’t about pretending things are great. It’s about retraining your soul to remember what’s good—even on hard days.Today’s Practice:Before your day gets rolling, list three things you’re thankful for.They don’t have to be profound. Just real.Gratitude rewires your brain.It lowers stress.It restores perspective.And it helps you show up a little more healed for the people you love.Strong families begin with healed men.

Today's Sponsor: ToyBox 3D Printers In today’s episode, we talk about wine, anesthesia, and the quiet ways men numb pain instead of feeling it.As Jesus was led to the cross, He was offered wine to dull the pain. He refused it. Not because the pain didn’t matter — but because He chose to fully feel the weight He was carrying.Many men don’t explode emotionally.They disappear.Instead of anger, they feel numb.Instead of emotion, they feel distance.Instead of presence, they reach for distraction.Scrolling.Drinking.Porn.Overworking.Anything that keeps the feelings at bay.In this episode, we explore what it looks like to stop numbing and start feeling again — not all at once, not perfectly, but honestly. Because when you begin to feel, you begin to heal. And healed men become present men.In This Episode:Why emotional numbness is just as serious as emotional blowupsThe overlooked moment when Jesus refused wine on the way to the crossHow men practice “avoidant coping” without realizing itThe cost of numbing out on marriage, fatherhood, and presenceA simple one-minute practice to begin feeling againToday’s One-Minute Practice:Instead of asking, “What am I feeling?”Ask this:“What am I avoiding feeling today?”Sit with it.Name it.Don’t numb it.You don’t need to fix everything.You just need to stay present.Strong families begin with healed men.

Today's Sponsor: ToyBox 3D Printers Have you ever said, “I don’t know what happened — I just snapped”?In today’s episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad explores why men don’t actually go from calm to out of control in an instant — even though it feels that way. Using a simple (and memorable) analogy about teleportation and flying cars, this episode explains how stress builds gradually in the nervous system long before a blowup ever happens.This episode is about learning to notice the early warning signs — the off-ramps — so you can tend your inner world before frustration spills onto the people you love most.This is daily inner hygiene — small, practical awareness that helps men lead with steadiness instead of reaction.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the nervous system doesn’t jump from “zero to 100”How stress and anger actually escalate in stagesThe physical and emotional warning signs most men missWhy reactions often feel sudden — even when they aren’tHow Scripture calls men to tend and guard their inner worldOne simple daily practice to reduce reactivity at home and workScripture ReferencedProverbs 4:23 (ESV)“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”Today’s Inner Hygiene PracticeBefore transitioning from one part of your day to another —car → workwork → meetingdriveway → homePause for one minute and ask yourself:“What am I feeling right now?”Name it without fixing it:tiredirritatedoverwhelmedanxioushungrytenseResearch shows that simply naming an emotion helps reduce its intensity and brings clarity back online. This small act of awareness can prevent bigger reactions later.Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17576282/

Today's Sponsor: ToyBox 3D PrintersWelcome to the very first episode of Dad Tired Daily — a short, intentional daily reset designed to help men tend their inner world so they can show up more healed for their families, work, and communities.In this episode, Jerrad introduces the heart behind Dad Tired Daily and explores an often-overlooked reality: while much attention has (rightly) been given to a mother’s mental load, many fathers are quietly carrying deep emotional strain with little language or support.Drawing from recent research, real-world stories, and Scripture, this episode invites dads to stop carrying heavy things alone — and to begin practicing simple inner hygiene, daily care for the soul.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy fathers often carry mental and emotional strain in silenceThe cultural stigma that keeps men from talking about mental healthA real story illustrating the hidden cost of untreated distress in menWhy Scripture invites us to bring what’s hidden into the lightResearch showing how a father’s mental health impacts his childrenOne small, practical step you can take today to show up more healedScripture ReferencedHebrews 4:12–13 (ESV)“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword… and no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”Today’s Inner Hygiene PracticeAsk yourself:What is one thing I’m carrying today that I haven’t told anyone about?Reach out to one trusted friend and say something simple like:“I’m not looking for advice — I just need to say this out loud.”Bringing something into the light often reduces its power — and reminds us we’re not meant to carry things alone.Why This MattersResearch increasingly shows that a father’s mental and emotional health has a direct impact on his children — even before birth. Unaddressed stress, depression, or emotional dysregulation in fathers is associated with challenges in children’s emotional regulation, social skills, cognitive development, and overall well-being.Strong families don’t begin with perfect dads — they begin with healed men willing to tend their inner world.Referenced Research & ReportingJAMA Pediatrics (2024) — Meta-analysis of 84 studies showing associations between paternal mental distress around pregnancy/postpartum and poorer social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development in children.Hutchinson et al., Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.Pacific Clinics — Reporting on paternal mental health, noting that nearly half of men experiencing mental health challenges never speak to anyone about it, and highlighting higher suicide rates among men.The 74 Million — Coverage on how paternal stress and mental health influence child development and family systems.News reporting on professional athletes and paternal suicide — Illustrating how many men struggle silently, even those closest to us never knew they were in pain.

Confession can bring healing—or devastation—depending on how it’s done.In this episode, I speak directly to men who are carrying secrets in their marriage and feel torn between honesty and fear. If you’ve ever thought, “If she really knew me, everything might fall apart,” this conversation is for you.Drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and walking alongside other men on the healing path, I explain why secrets rob us of intimacy, joy, and peace—and why impulsive confession can actually cause more harm than healing.This isn’t about dumping your shame on your spouse.It’s about learning how to confess wisely, lovingly, and with a plan.I also speak directly to wives who may be listening, offering perspective, compassion, and clarity in the midst of fear and uncertainty.This is a heavy episode—but it’s also an invitation to freedom, wholeness, and a deeper experience of the gospel in your marriage.Today's Sponsors:TheOneYearBible & Cozy Earth 

If you’ve ever noticed that when life gets hard you tend to pull away from God ; numb out, isolate, distract, or try to fix everything on your own, this episode is for you.As we head into a new year, Jerrad shares a personal story from a father-son race that turned into a moment of crisis… and how it revealed something deeply true about all of us: pressure exposes our reputation.In this episode, we contrast our instinct to hide with God’s consistent reputation throughout Scripture; a God who keeps drawing near to broken, messy people again and again. From the garden of Eden to the life of Jesus to the promise of God’s Spirit within us, the story is clear:When chaos hits, God doesn’t withdraw. He comes closer.This is an invitation to stop hiding, and start trusting God’s reputation more than your instincts.What You’ll LearnWhy crisis and hardship reveal who we really areHow shame, fear, and even success cause men to hide from GodWhat Scripture shows us about God’s reputation from Genesis to RevelationWhy men often turn away from God when they need Him mostA simple, embodied practice to help you turn toward God instead of numbing outWhat it looks like to come out of hiding as a husband, father, and discipleKey Takeaways• Pressure reveals reputation.You don’t really know what’s inside until life turns up the heat.• Our instinct is to hide.From fig leaves to distraction to self-reliance, men tend to pull away when things get hard.• God’s reputation is nearness.Again and again in Scripture, God draws closer — even in rebellion, failure, and fear.• Healing begins with turning toward God.Not after you fix yourself. Not after you “do better.” Right where you are.• Strong families begin with healed men.Men who stop hiding and learn to trust God’s presence change everything downstream.Resources MentionedSponsor: Dwell Bible AppListen to Scripture anywhere and stay connected to God’s Word in real lifedwellbible.com/dadtiredMake a donation to support the ministry and help more men find healing.

Ever had something small go wrong and suddenly you’re spiraling into insecurity, shame, or old stories you thought you were done with? Yeah… me too. Today I share a simple moment in my kitchen that unexpectedly poked an old wound and sent me into a whole internal narrative about not being good enough.But this episode isn’t really about caulking a backsplash.It’s about the lies men believe, the wounds we carry into adulthood, and why healing matters way more than we think.In this episode we talk about:• How tiny moments trigger big wounds• Why our brains write stories we never chose• How men often cope through numbing, distancing, or performing• What “intimacy disorder” really means• How Jesus meets us in our pain and speaks truth• Why healed men become better husbands, fathers, and friends• Why your healing is never just for you—it’s for the missionWe also finish Step 7 of the Seven Steps of Discipleship:pouring your life into someone else.From Genesis to Jesus’ final words, God has always called men to expand His kingdom, not retreat into self-protection.Strong families begin with healed men.Strong men begin by telling the truth.And healed men are sent men.Download the free 7 Steps of Discipleship PDF: dadtired.com/7stepsJoin us at the Dadology Conference (San Diego): dadtired.com/dadologyPartner with Dad Tired as we close out the year: dadtired.com/donateRite of Passage Alaska Trip (for dads + teenage sons) — limited spots Host a One-Day Dad Tired Conference at your church: dadtired.com/conferenceToday's Sponsor: One Year Bible

Father + Son Alaska Trip 2026If you’ve ever felt exhausted as a dad — like you’re genuinely trying but something still feels “off” — today’s episode is going to give you language, clarity, and a fresh blueprint for fatherhood.I sit down with Jeremy Pryor, one of the leading voices on shaping a multigenerational family on mission. Jeremy argues that most modern dads are using a brand-new cultural blueprint for family… and it’s not working.This conversation is full of hope, honesty, and practical steps to help you create a home your kids will want to belong to for generations.What You’ll LearnWhy the modern Western family structure is historically unusual — and often ineffectiveThe biblical blueprint for family that leads to connection, mission, and long-term joyThe power of three generations at one tableHow to win your child’s heart through simple weekly rhythmsWhy intentional dads must play both offense and defense in today’s cultureHow to protect your child spiritually in a world full of digital “portals”What it looks like to raise kids who stay connected long after they leave your homeKey Takeaways• Strong families begin with healed men.You cannot lead your home if you’re disconnected from Jesus or from your own heart.• Ideas matter.Most dads inherited a blueprint that leads to isolation — not mission.• Connection is built through rhythm, not random effort.Weekly feasts, 1:1 traditions, family stories, and regular check-ins matter.• Your kids need your protection — spiritually, emotionally, digitally.Today’s culture demands intentional defense, not passive hope.• Legacy starts now.You’re building something your grandkids will feel — whether intentionally or by default.Resources MentionedFree Step 6 PDF: dadtired.com/7stepsJeremy Pryor’s Family Teams Resources: familyteams.comJeremy’s Book: Family RevisionSponsor: Backgate Prayers — Use code DADTIREDMake a donation to the ministry here. 

In this week’s episode, we shift the conversation from inner healing to how that healing actually plays out inside your marriage. Jerrad opens up about the quieter, less flashy season Dad Tired has entered, and why he’s more encouraged than ever as he hears private stories of repentance, courage, and healing from men around the world.Then we turn to the heart of Step 005: your marriage is meant to display Christ’s love for His church. Not primarily your happiness. Not comfort. But a living, breathing picture of the gospel inside your home. When we lose sight of that, everything in marriage starts to unravel. When we stay focused on it, everything begins to fall into place.From there, we get ultra-practical. Jerrad unpacks four clear, measurable ways husbands can model Christ’s love toward their wives — ways you can start evaluating and practicing this week.What We CoverWhy external “hype” has faded… and why that’s actually a good thingThe unseen, private faithfulness of men that is changing generationsThe biblical symbolism of marriage — from Genesis to JesusWhy marriage falls apart when we expect it to serve our happinessHow to reset your expectations around the purpose of marriageFour simple questions every husband should ask himself each weekWhy your wife is meant to feel emotionally, spiritually, and physically safe with youFour Ways Christ Loves His Church… and How We Model Them(With verses for your study)Christ Pursues FirstRomans 5:8You take initiative. You move toward her. You start the conversations. You pursue her heart.Christ Sacrifices DailyEphesians 5:25, Mark 10:45You lay down comfort, preference, ego, and convenience for her good — with joy, not resentment.Christ Shows CompassionHebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 3:7You slow down, listen well, empathize, honor her, and create emotional safety.Christ Protects and Strengthens2 Thessalonians 3:3You become a refuge — physically, emotionally, spiritually — where she feels secure and lifted up.Free Download: Step 005 PDFWe created a full PDF to help you process Step 005 on your own or with a Garage Group:dadtired.com/7stepsThis includes:A theological overview of marriageCommon barriers men facePractical exercisesReflection questionsScripture study promptsThe four measurable areas of pursuitPartner With the MissionDad Tired is at 7% of its 2026 fundraising goal. If this ministry has helped you and you want to stand with the thousands of quiet, faithful men doing the work no one sees, you can give at:dadtired.com/donateEpisode Sponsor: Tyndale — The One Year BibleStart reading the Bible daily in a simple and sustainable way.Choose from multiple paths and editions: men’s, women’s, journaling, prayer, chronological, and more.Learn more at: oneyearbible.comLinks MentionedStep 005 PDF: dadtired.com/7stepsDonate: dadtired.com/donateOne Year Bible: oneyearbible.com

You can have a good life — not an easy life, but one filled with deep peace and joy that circumstances can’t shake. In this episode, Jerrad unpacks Step 4 of the Seven Steps of Discipleship: Forming Spiritual Habits — a conversation about how men grow through intentional, daily rhythms that train the soul for godliness.Jerrad shares how his own healing journey began with one powerful declaration: “I’m a truth teller.” That single identity statement became the foundation for transformation. From there, he talks about how building small, consistent habits — rooted in who you’re becoming, not just what you’re doing — can reshape your entire life.Through stories, scripture, and real talk, this episode will help you:Understand why identity always comes before habitsRecognize that you’re already a man of habits — they just need redirectingLearn how to start small and stay consistent (even when motivation fades)Discover how godly habits train you to live with deep joy and peace, regardless of circumstanceLater in the episode, Jerrad is joined by Kaleb Allen, one of the most disciplined men he knows, to talk about practical spiritual disciplines — from Bible reading and prayer to solitude, gratitude, and Sabbath — and how these rhythms keep your soul grounded when life gets chaotic.If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or spiritually dry, this episode is your invitation to start building a life you’re proud of — one small habit at a time.🎯 Key Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7–8“Train yourself for godliness. For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way—holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”Announcements:💰 We’re sitting at just 4% of our fundraising goal for 2026. If Dad Tired has encouraged you, consider making a tax-deductible donation before year-end: dadtired.com/donate👨‍👧‍👦 Dadology Parenting Conference – April 24–25, 2026 in San Diego. Grab tickets now at dadtired.com/dadology🏔️ Father/Son Alaska Trip – June 2026. Registration closes end of January. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: Learn More Here🎁 Sponsor:Cozy Earth – Get the best sleep of your life with Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets and pajamas (Leila’s favorite gift ever). Use code DADTIRED for 40% off your order at CozyEarth.com.