Two by Two: Why You Need Brothers in the Trenches

Ever walked out of a situation and thought, “That didn’t feel right”?In this raw, unscripted episode, Jerrad Lopes shares a deeply vulnerable moment — a story that didn’t involve sin in the traditional sense, but came dangerously close. From a return line at Home Depot to the emotional weight of a product endorsement, Jerrad invites listeners into the middle circle: the subtle behaviors that don’t look like sin, but lead our hearts away from truth, integrity, and God.🎧 In this episode:What “middle circle behavior” means and how it can unravel your soulThe difference between numbing out vs. self-careA powerful framework used in recovery communities to build emotional awarenessHow small compromises can quietly erode godly characterJerrad’s honest confession to his wife — and why radical honesty mattersWhy Oreo binges, Zillow scrolling, or standing while eating may matter more than you thinkThe prayer for men who want transformation but feel stuckWhether you’re a husband, a father, or a man seeking healing, this episode offers a language for the soul and a challenge to step out of isolation.📌 Want to go deeper?Consider sharing this episode with a friend and comparing your own circles🔗 Support the WorkAttend the next Dad Tired Retreat → DadTired.com/retreatBecome a monthly donor and help continue the missionPartner brands: World Watch News – Faith-based news for families

What do you do when your marriage feels over — and you don't even know why?In this raw and honest conversation, Dave and Ann Wilson share the untold story of how their marriage nearly ended at year 10… and the one moment that changed everything.They dive into childhood wounds, soul pain, and the exhausting journey of healing — and how putting God back at the center saved not just their relationship, but their individual hearts.🔥 Inside this episode:• Why performance and perfection can kill a marriage• How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships• The one word God spoke that changed it all• How to start healing, even when it feels impossibleWhether you’re fighting for your marriage, healing from your past, or just longing for deeper connection — this story will give you hope, honesty, and practical steps toward restoration.🎯 Don't miss this powerful conversation. Hit play — and get ready for real talk.Join The Movement: dadtired.com/donateToday's Sponsor: http://dwellbible.com/dadtired

Porn. Shame. Repeat. Breaking the cycle starts with telling the truth.Jerrad Lopes returns after months of silence, not with answers—but with honesty. In this deeply vulnerable episode, Jerrad shares why he hasn’t told a single lie in 156 days, how intensive counseling broke him open, and what it means to be a “truth teller” in a world of escape. Whether it’s porn, alcohol, work, or Oreos—this is an invitation to stop numbing and start healing.If you're tired of hiding, if you're tired of performing, and you're ready to be fully present—this episode is for you.In this episode:​Why Jerrad hasn't lied in over 150 days (and why it matters)​The moment he broke down in counseling—and what it revealed​How performance becomes a survival tactic for so many men​Why honesty feels terrifying but is essential for freedom​Escapism, addiction, and the real reason we keep going back​What meditation taught him (and why he fell asleep once 😂)​The danger of "socially acceptable" numbing habits (Oreos, Zillow, work)​How to catch yourself in the act of escaping—and sit with your feelings insteadKey Challenge for Listeners:Ask yourself:🧠 What are you trying to escape from?🔍 What are you using to escape?You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be honest. Start here.Resources & Mentions:​Dad Tired Community: dadtired.com​Support the show or sponsor inquiries: DadTired.com/donate​Today’s sponsor: BackGatePrayers.com promo code DADTIRED

Most Christian men wouldn’t call it an addiction. “It’s just something I struggle with…”But what if that struggle is actually keeping you stuck?In this episode, Nick Stumbo—Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries—shares his powerful story of addiction, shame, and the deeper healing Jesus offers.We talk about:Why confession isn’t the finish lineThe 3 questions that revealed Nick’s addictionWhat white-knuckling recovery really looks likeHow trauma, performance, and shame feed the cycleThis isn’t just about porn. It’s about what your soul is really craving.Learn more about Pure Desire Ministries: https://www.puredesire.orgGet Nick’s book Setting Us Free: https://amzn.to/3EtfY2PStart your healing journey with Dad Tired: [https://www.dadtired.com]Subscribe to the Dad Tired podcast for more episodes that help men lead their families wellA special thanks to today's sponsor: www.dwellbible.com/dadtired

After a four-month break from the podcast, Jerrad Lopes returns with his most vulnerable episode yet. In this raw and powerful conversation, he shares the painful truth behind his absence, including the sin that nearly cost him everything—and the healing journey that saved his life. Faced with two options—end it all or embrace the pain and pursue healing—Jerrad chose life. Now, he's back with a renewed vision for Dad Tired: to help men find the kind of deep healing that transforms everything. If you're tired, hurting, or hiding, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.Sponsor: worldwatch.news/dadtired

In today's episode, Pastor Kaleb and Pastor Chris sit down with Jerrad to talk about the next season of Dad Tired.

In this powerful follow-up to the series on biblical masculinity, Chris Hilkin continues unpacking what it means to be a man after God's own heart through the PRIME MEN acrostic. After Jerrad Lopes opens with a heartfelt update and thanks the Dad Tired community for their support, Chris teaches through the next key biblical traits of godly manhood: Intentional, Meek, Enduring, Moral, Empathetic, and Noble. With deep theological insight, biblical references, and real-life application, this episode challenges men to take spiritual leadership seriously—at home, in the church, and in the world.Bible Passages Mentioned:John 8 – Jesus and the woman caught in adultery1 Timothy 3:4-5 – Managing one's family wellEphesians 6:4 – Fathers training and instructing childrenGenesis 18:19 – Directing one’s household in the way of the LordGenesis 3:6 – Adam’s passivity in the Garden1 Samuel 3:11 – Eli’s failure to discipline his sonsMark 5 – Jesus healing the bleeding woman2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of power, love, and self-controlProverbs 16:32 – Better to be patient than a warriorPhilippians 2 – Christ’s humilityProverbs 24:16 – The righteous fall seven times but rise again1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Be strong, courageous, and do everything in loveLuke 23 – Jesus carrying the cross1 Timothy 4:8 – Godliness has value for all thingsTitus 2:7-8 – Teaching with integrity1 Samuel 15 – Saul's disobedienceMatthew 4 – Jesus’ temptationJohn 17 – Jesus interceding for his disciplesNehemiah 4:14 – Fight for your familiesPhilippians 4:8 – Whatever is noble, think about such thingsProverbs 22:1 – A good name is more desirable than richesMicah 6:8 – Do justice, love mercy, walk humblyActs 5 – Ananias and SapphiraJoshua 7 – The sin of AchanJohn 18 – Jesus on trial before PilateIsaiah 53:7 – Like a lamb silent before its shearersLuke 23:34 – Jesus forgives those who crucified HimDiscussion Questions:Which of the PRIME MEN traits (Peacemaking, Repentant, Intentional, Meek, Enduring, Moral, Empathetic, Noble) do you most naturally embody, and which one do you struggle with the most? Why?(Bonus: Print the list and literally highlight where you're strong and where you're bleeding, as suggested in the episode.)Read Ephesians 6:4. What does it look like for you, specifically, to take spiritual responsibility for your kids? In what ways have you been tempted to hand that role off to someone else?How have you misunderstood meekness in the past? What would it look like for you to walk in “power under control” this week?How does your private life reflect your integrity? Are there places in your life where you are “fractioned” or living in two different personas? What does integration look like for you?In a culture that values comfort and ease, what does it mean to endure like Jesus? How can you practically grow in endurance and perseverance when life gets hard?

Show Notes: Biblical Masculinity Part 1In this first part of the Biblical Masculinity series, Chris Hilken walks through what it truly means to be a man after God’s own heart. He shares personal stories—from growing up watching WWF to mentoring young men at youth camp—and challenges cultural stereotypes of masculinity. Instead of aggressive or passive extremes, he calls men to embody Christlike traits. Chris begins walking through an acronym, PRIMEMEN, and unpacks the first two attributes: Peacemaker and Repentant.What You’ll Learn:Why culture has distorted our view of masculinityWhy “The Rock” and pop-culture heroes fall short of biblical manhoodHow peacemaking and repentance are signs of real strengthThe difference between feeling sorry and true repentanceWhy Jesus is the perfect picture of masculinityBible Verses Mentioned:Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”Romans 5 – Jesus made peace with us through the cross.Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”Genesis 4:8 – Cain kills Abel out of rage.1 Samuel 18:6–9 – Saul’s jealousy drives him to attack David.John 8 – Jesus diffuses the angry mob with wisdom and justice.Luke 8 – Jesus calms the storm.Acts 3:19 – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.”2 Corinthians 7 – Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation.Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”Luke 15 – The Prodigal SonLuke 19 – Zacchaeus repents and makes restitution.Hebrews 4 – God’s Word is a double-edged sword.Garage Group Discussion Questions:What images or messages about masculinity did you grow up with? How have they shaped you—for better or worse?Chris says, “Real men create no drama and control their anger.” What does that look like in your home or workplace right now?Read Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18. How can you actively pursue peace in a relationship where there’s tension?Repentance is more than saying sorry—it's turning and changing. What’s one area of your life where you're apologizing but not truly repenting?Chris shares how Jesus is “the better Cain, the better Saul.” In what ways can you look to Jesus—not culture—as your model of manhood this week?

Jesus sent His disciples two by two—not alone. Why? Because ministry, life, and discipleship are not meant to be solo endeavors. In this episode, we unpack Luke 10:1 and explore the biblical foundation for companionship in the Christian life. From accountability and encouragement to strengthening our testimony, we’ll discuss why godly friendships matter for every man—whether you’re a pastor, a truck driver, or a dad just trying to raise your kids well. God’s design for brotherhood isn’t just about survival; it’s about finishing well.

Make sure to connect with dwell at: dwellbible.com/dadtiredOn this episode of Dad Tired, we explore the road to Emmaus and the way friendship and faith intertwine in the Christian life. When Jesus walked alongside two confused disciples, He met them in their questions, in their grief, and in their search for clarity—just as He does with us today. Drawing from Luke 24, the lives of Perpetua and Felicity, and the wisdom of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, we’ll discuss how friendship is essential to holiness, how Christ is present in our shared struggles, and why discipleship isn’t meant to be done alone. If you've ever wrestled with doubt, isolation, or the mystery of God’s plan, this episode will remind you that the Third Traveler always walks beside you.