Detoxing Dopamine: Why Your Soul Is Addicted to Cheap Joy

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 hearts—and how to slowly retrain their desires toward the kind of joy God actually designed.If you’ve felt tired, numb, or disconnected from God and your family, this episode will help you name what’s happening and take your first step toward healing.

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 episode is for you.Sometimes the most spiritual leadership doesn’t sound like anything at all.Sometimes it looks like staying close.

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.Conviction is an invitation from God.Shame is a verdict from the enemy.If you’re growing, let gratitude fuel you forward.If you feel further from God than ever, today is the day to return—not to hide.Jesus is still inviting you back.

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 about:The quiet lie that drives many menFame, insecurity, and the need to prove yourselfWhat spiritual immaturity looks like in grown menWhy men are afraid to be fully knownFatherhood, obedience, and legacyWhat changes when a man finally takes God seriouslyThis episode is for the man who loves Jesus—but knows something deeper is missing.Strong families begin with healed men.Today's Sponsor: KidsGoBible.com

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 longer than feels comfortable.Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s a muscle. And it can be grown.

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 out loud today—just once?

How do you know if you’re actually resting… or just checking out?In today’s Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad talks about the difference between restorative, soul-level rest and numbing behaviors that help us escape but don’t actually restore us.Most men aren’t lazy — they’re tired. And when we don’t know how to rest, we reach for things that temporarily quiet the noise but leave us more exhausted the next day.This episode will help you:Discern rest vs. numbing in everyday lifeUnderstand why numbing works short-term but drains you long-termLearn what real, boring, restorative rest actually looks likePractice a simple way to help your soul slow downInspired by Psalm 23 and Jesus’ invitation to rest.Rested men lead their families well.

Register for the Dadology Conference for DadsWhat if you’re not lazy…What if you’re just tired?In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, Jerrad talks about why rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Drawing from military training, Scripture, and real life as a husband and dad, he unpacks why exhaustion quietly undermines our leadership at home and how learning to rest can actually protect the mission God has given us.You’ll hear:Why elite military teams train themselves to rest under pressureHow exhaustion impacts your decisions, presence, and relationshipsWhy Jesus prioritizes rest for weary menA simple, practical “micro-Sabbath” you can practice anywhere, anytimeThis isn’t about doing less because you don’t care.It’s about resting on purpose so you can lead well.Key Scripture:Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Simple Practice:Take one minute today. Feet on the ground. Slow inhale. Longer exhale. Ask God for rest—not more answers.Rested men lead their families well.