Before You Follow Jesus, Read the Fine Print: Step 001

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

What does it really mean to follow Jesus when the cost is high?In this week’s episode, Jerrad reflects on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk; not just as a political figure, but as a brother in Christ who boldly proclaimed the gospel until his final moments.Drawing from Luke 9 and his own experiences at the Dad Tired retreat, Jerrad challenges men to slow down, quiet the noise, and seriously ask: Am I all in with Jesus?You’ll hear:Why silence matters for hearing God’s voiceHow Charlie Kirk’s final words point us to courage and hopeThe danger of being overly eager or overly cautious in discipleshipWhat it means to “count the cost” before putting your hand to the plowThis episode is a sobering call to examine our “but first” excuses and to step fully into the life Jesus is calling us to live.

What if the very thing you fear most—suffering—was actually the place God wanted to meet you most deeply?In this episode, Jerrad opens a new series through 1 Peter, a letter written to Christians facing intense persecution under Nero. With raw honesty and pastoral encouragement, he reminds us that suffering isn’t a sign that God has abandoned us—it’s often the very soil where our faith takes root.Drawing from Peter’s opening words, Jerrad shares personal stories of walking with grieving families, parenting through pain, and clinging to identity in Christ when the world speaks lies. More than tips or quick fixes, this episode centers us on the truth that even in suffering, we can bless God—because our hope and inheritance are secure in Jesus.With insight from 1 Peter 1:1–5 and the broader historical context, you’ll discover:Why Peter calls us “elect exiles” and why that matters for your identity todayHow to hold onto hope when life feels like it’s falling apartWhy remembering who you are in Christ can anchor you through hardshipThe difference between the world’s identity labels and God’s declaration over youNine reasons Peter gives us to bless God, even in sufferingWhether you’re grieving, discouraged, or just need a reminder of where your true hope lies, this episode will help you lift your eyes to the One who guards both your inheritance and your soul.Scriptures Mentioned1 Peter 1:1–5Exodus 14–15Philippians 1:62 Corinthians 4:16–18John 16:33Psalm 34:18Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsor: World Watch NewsInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTubeWhat if the hardest thing you’ve ever faced wasn’t 60 days in the wilderness, but the weight of leading your family through suffering?In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Alone Season 5 winner, Sam Larson, whose victory on national TV was followed by a far heavier reality at home: all three of his children being diagnosed with CLN3 Batten Disease, a rare terminal illness.With raw honesty and gospel hope, Sam shares how grief stripped away every illusion of control, what it means to father children with a limited timeline, and how Jesus became more real than ever in the middle of heartbreak.With insight from 2 Corinthians 12, Matthew 5, and Romans 8, you’ll discover:Why suffering can feel like an uninvited gift that drives us closer to ChristThe difference between choosing hardship (like Alone) and enduring pain you never asked forHow to anchor your family in gospel hope when life feels unbearableWhy men need brothers in Christ to speak truth when they’re drowning in liesWhat it looks like to find joy, purpose, and community even in seasons of deep sufferingWhether you’re walking through grief, feeling the crushing weight of fatherhood, or just longing for purpose in your everyday life, this episode will remind you that Jesus has conquered even the darkest parts of our story—and He is with you.Scriptures Mentioned2 Corinthians 12:9–10Matthew 5:4Romans 8:18–25John 16:332 Corinthians 4:16–18Psalm 34:181 Peter 1:6–7James 1:2–4Philippians 1:6Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsors: World Watch NewsVisit Sam’s church: Redemption Hill Bible Church – Hickman, NebraskaInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTubeWhat if the biggest battle you’re fighting isn’t around you, but inside your own head?In this episode, Jerrad gets real about the lies men quietly believe every day—the voices that whisper (or shout), “You’re not enough, you’ll never change, you’re unlovable, you don’t matter.” Drawing from personal struggles, conversations with friends, and the truth of Scripture, he unpacks how to recognize these destructive thoughts and replace them with what God actually says.With insight from John 8:44, Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:17, and Ephesians 2:10, you’ll discover:The 10 most common lies men believe—and how they quietly shape our marriages, parenting, and walk with GodWhy these lies don’t just stay in your head but impact your words, actions, and relationshipsHow Satan, the father of lies, plants accusations that erode your identity in ChristThe practical, biblical way to combat lies—not with pep talks or hype—but with the Word of God and gospel-centered communityWhy truth spoken by brothers in Christ can break through lies when self-talk can’tWhether you’ve felt the sting of shame, the weight of failure, or the loneliness of “I have to do this on my own,” this episode will help you step back onto the solid ground of God’s truth and live as the healed man He created you to be.Scriptures MentionedJohn 8:44Romans 8:12 Corinthians 5:17Ephesians 2:10Proverbs 24:16Philippians 1:61 John 3:1Romans 5:81 Corinthians 6:19–201 Peter 2:92 Corinthians 12:9Ecclesiastes 4:9–10Galatians 6:2John 15:5Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsors: Courage For Life Study BibleInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTube HereWhat would your wife and kids say if someone asked, “Is your dad full of joy?”In this episode, Jerrad gets honest about why so many dads feel grumpy, short-tempered, and exhausted, and why joy often feels out of reach. Sharing personal stories, biblical truth, and ten practical steps, he unpacks how Christian dads can move from frustration to deep joy rooted in Jesus.With insight from Psalm 16:11, Galatians 5:22–23, and John 15:10–11, you’ll discover:The hidden reasons dads lose joy (unconfessed sin, silent pressures, numbing out)Why God actually cares about your joy as a manHow joy flows from God’s presence, obedience, and salvationPractical rhythms to restore joy in your home—like confession, gratitude, play, rest, and communityWhether you’ve been stuck in grumpiness or just long to be a more joy-filled dad, this episode will help you step back into the life God designed for you.Scriptures MentionedPsalm 16:11Galatians 5:22–23Psalm 51:12James 1:2–4John 15:10–11Philippians 4:6–71 Thessalonians 5:16–18Ecclesiastes 3:12–13Matthew 18:3John 16:24Mark 10:45Matthew 11:28–29Hebrews 10:24–25Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsors: Dwell Bible App & World WatchInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly PartnerFunny Video Jerrad Laughed AtScientific Benefits of Gratitude