Why the Modern Family Is Breaking (and How to Fix It): Step 006

If 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.

What if the reason you keep reacting, withdrawing, or losing patience isn’t about your present—but your past?In this episode, Jerrad unpacks Step 3 of the Seven Steps of Discipleship: Addressing Past Wounds—a practical and gospel-centered conversation about facing the pain we’ve carried instead of burying it. With honesty and compassion, he walks men through why ignoring our wounds doesn’t make them disappear; it just makes them leak into our marriage, our parenting, and our leadership.Through biblical truth, personal story, and real-world guidance, Jerrad helps you see that this step isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about inviting God into the places you’ve avoided for too long.With a mix of vulnerability and hope, this episode will help you:Recognize how unhealed wounds shape your reactions and relationshipsConnect the dots between your pain and the lies you believeLearn a simple 4-part process for addressing wounds (Scripture, Naming, Writing, Sharing)Discover how to speak gospel truth to yourselfTake the first step toward becoming a healed man who leads a healthy familyWhether you’ve minimized your pain, masked it with work, or felt like your story doesn’t matter, this episode is a reminder that strong families begin with healed men—and healing starts when you face what’s been buried.Prayer:“Father, reveal the wounds I’ve tried to hide. Give me courage to bring them into the light, and remind me that Your grace is big enough to heal every part of my story.”Scriptures Mentioned:Psalm 34:18James 5:16John 8:32Isaiah 61:12 Corinthians 12:9Resources & Links:🎯 Download the free Seven Steps of Discipleship PDF💡 Register for the Dadology Parenting Conference (April 24–25, 2026 — San Diego)🙌 Support the mission: dadtired.com/donate🎙️ Learn more about Dad Tired Conferences We’d like to thank Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child and The Go Bible for sponsoring today’s episode.

What if healing isn’t found in isolation, but in the presence of brothers who know the worst about you and love you anyway?In this episode, Jerrad unpacks Step 2 of the Seven Steps of Discipleship: Find Your Brotherhood: a conversation about why God never intended men to walk alone. Through biblical truth, personal story, and raw honesty, he explores why confession, friendship, and brotherhood aren’t optional extras in the Christian life, they’re essential for healing.Later in the episode, Jerrad is joined by Nick, a Dad Tired listener who shares how brotherhood changed everything for him, from addiction and isolation to freedom and deep friendship. Together they paint a picture of what real, gospel-centered friendships can look like for men who are ready to stop pretending and start healing.With a mix of vulnerability and hope, this episode will help you:Understand why it’s not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2)Recognize how brotherhood leads to real healing (James 5:16)Learn how confession brings both forgiveness and restorationDiscover practical ways to build honest friendshipsSee why every man needs a circle of brothers before he can lead his family wellWhether you’ve been burned by shallow friendships or you’re just tired of trying to follow Jesus alone, this episode is a reminder that strong families begin with healed men, and healed men don’t heal alone.Prayer:“Father, help me find and build the kind of friendships that bring healing. Give me brothers who will know me fully and love me still.”Scriptures Mentioned:Genesis 2:18James 5:16Proverbs 27:17Ecclesiastes 4:9–12John 15:12–13Resources & Links🎯 Download the free Seven Steps of Discipleship PDF💡 Register for the Dadology Parenting Conference (April 24–25, 2026 — San Diego)🙌 Support the mission: dadtired.com/donate🎙️ Learn more about Dad Tired Conferences & SpeakingWe'd like to thank Samaratin's Purse and Operation Christmas Child for sponsoring today's episode. 

DOWNLOAD FREE PDFWhat if following Jesus actually costs you everything?In this first episode of our new 7-part series, The Seven Steps of Discipleship, Jerrad unpacks Step One — Count the Cost — and challenges men to slow down, read the small print, and honestly consider what it means to follow Jesus.You’ll learn why Jesus told the crowds to “count the cost” before following Him, what it looks like to build your faith on a real foundation, and how to take a personal inventory of what discipleship might cost you.Later in the episode, Jerrad sits down with his friend Ryan, who shares his real-time story of moving from compartmentalized faith to full surrender — and what it looks like when God takes the head seat at the table of your life.This is Part 1 of the Seven Steps of Discipleship:1️⃣ Count the Cost2️⃣ Brotherhood3️⃣ Address Wounds4️⃣ Build Habits5️⃣ Cherish Your Spouse6️⃣ Raise Your Kids7️⃣ Live the Bigger CallingResources Mentioned: Dadology Parenting ConferenceDonate To The MinistryFREE PDF worksheetThe One Year BibleLectric Bikes

Most dads want to disciple their kids—but sometimes we don’t know where to start. In this episode, Kaleb shares a simple rhythm he’s been using in his own home: teaching the Apostles’ Creed. Whether it’s on car rides, walks, or at bedtime, this ancient confession of faith has become a bridge to talk about who God is and what we believe as a family.As Kaleb walks through each line of the Creed, he focuses on one most of us overlook: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” He unpacks what that means for our daily discipleship—how it shapes the way we pray, parent, and live under the reign of King Jesus.Through personal stories, biblical teaching, and practical insight, this episode will help you see how even ancient words can lead to modern transformation right in your own home.With a mix of theology and real-life dad moments, you’ll learn to:Use the Apostles’ Creed as a tool for family discipleshipExplain big doctrines in simple language your kids can graspSee how the Ascension reveals Jesus as both Savior and KingUnderstand the connection between Christ’s reign and your everyday missionBring faith into your family’s ordinary rhythmsPrayer:“Father, thank You that Jesus reigns as King—and that His finished work means I can rest, lead, and love my family with confidence and peace.”Scriptures MentionedActs 1:9–11Ephesians 4:10Daniel 7:13–14Philippians 2:5–11Hebrews 7:25Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsor: The Hands-On Bible by TyndaleOperation Christmas ChildBring A Dad Tired Conference To Your ChurchBecome a Monthly Partner

Join us in Alaska for a Father Son TripWhat if the greatest gift you could give your son isn’t a car, a college fund, or a successful life—but a deep sense that he is beloved?In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Peter Goodwin and Connor Ketchum from The Quarry Project, a father–son camp in Alaska helping dads disciple their boys into biblical manhood. Together, they unpack what it really means to raise sons who know who they are, where they come from, and what they’re made for.Through honest stories, theological insight, and real-world examples, they explore how today’s dads can break generational cycles and become the kind of fathers who bless rather than wound.With a mix of vulnerability and hope, this episode will help you:Understand the power of a father’s blessingLearn why “beloved sonship” is the foundation of manhoodRecognize how your own father wounds impact your parentingDiscover what true initiation into manhood looks likeSee how God can redeem your family’s story through youWhether you had a great dad or no dad at all, this episode is a powerful reminder that strong families begin with healed men—and your son’s journey into manhood starts with you.Prayer:“Father, help me see my son the way You see me—beloved, chosen, and full of purpose.”Scriptures MentionedIsaiah 51:1–2Luke 3:21–22Ephesians 1:5–6Proverbs 22:6Deuteronomy 6:6–7Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsor: The One Year Bible by TyndaleRegister for the Dad Tired x Quarry Project Father–Son Trip Invite Jerrad to Speak at Your ChurchBecome a Monthly Partner

What if the clutter around you- your messy car, chaotic desk, or unfinished projects—was actually revealing something deeper happening inside you?In this episode, Jerrad challenges men to look beneath the surface and see how the outward disorder in our lives often mirrors the inward chaos of our souls. Before stepping into the mission God’s calling us to, He’s inviting us to bring order, attention, and faithfulness to the small things right in front of us.Through personal stories, honest reflection, and a practical framework, Jerrad helps listeners see that spiritual leadership starts with stewardship. You can’t lead your family well, love your wife faithfully, or change the world for Christ if your life is cluttered and chaotic.With a mix of conviction and grace, this episode will help you:Recognize how outward messes reveal inward disorderUnderstand why God calls men to faithfulness in the small things firstLearn seven practical ways to clean up “sloppy” areas of your lifeSee how physical order can become a daily act of spiritual worshipPrepare your heart for the bigger mission God’s about to call you intoWhether you feel distracted, disorganized, or just stuck, this episode is a wake-up call to bring order to the chaos—and become the kind of man God can trust with more.Prayer:“God, is there anything in my life that grieves You?”Scriptures MentionedPsalm 139:23–24Proverbs 4:23Luke 16:101 Corinthians 14:33Colossians 3:23Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsor: Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas ChildInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTubeFeeling the pull to lead your family and faith well,  but not sure where to start? In this episode, Jerrad breaks down a simple, clear, and repeatable 7-step process to help men move from drifting to disciple.Whether you’re new to following Jesus or just hungry for deeper growth, this framework will help you count the cost, build brotherhood, heal your wounds, and lead with purpose.If you’ve ever thought, “I’m ready to step up, I just don’t know how,” this episode is for you.HOST A CONFERENCEChapters00:00 – Welcome to Dad Tired01:10 – Why men are feeling the call to lead again03:45 – The problem with shallow men’s ministry06:00 – What God is stirring in this season09:00 – How to know if God is prompting you11:30 – Step 1: Count the Cost14:00 – Step 2: Build the Brotherhood16:30 – Step 3: Heal the Wounds19:00 – Step 4: Create the Habits21:30 – Step 5: Cherish Your Wife24:00 – Step 6: Train Up Your Kids27:00 – Step 7: Find a Bigger Calling29:30 – Why this matters for the next generation31:00 – How you can join the mission