Count the Cost: Following Jesus in a Hostile World

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

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vNdWKOY3wmAWhat would it look like if every part of your life was lived in the light. No shortcuts, no secrets, no lies?In this episode, Jerrad challenges men to step into radical honesty, starting with the smallest details. Drawing from his own healing journey, he unpacks why healed men are truth-tellers, how integrity builds confidence, and why it matters to look more like your Heavenly Father—the Father of light—than the father of lies.With biblical insight from 1 John 1:6–7, Proverbs 10:9, and Luke 16:10, you’ll discover:Why even “small” lies keep you stuckHow walking in the light transforms your confidence and relationshipsPractical steps to start telling the truth in everythingThe role of trusted friends, counselors, and community in your healingWhether you’re holding onto a hidden struggle or just want to live with more integrity, this episode will help you take your next step toward freedom.Scriptures Mentioned:1 John 1:6–7Proverbs 10:9Luke 16:10John 8:44James 1:17Resources & Links:Today's Sponsor: Hands On BibleInvite Jerrad To Speak At Your ChurchBecome A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTube HEREWhat if the most powerful discipleship moments with your kids weren’t planned, but hidden in the everyday?In this heartfelt solo episode, Jerrad Lopes shares the honest struggle of staying connected with your kids; especially as they grow into pre-teens and teens. From the exhausting early days of parenting toddlers to the emotional complexity of raising a 14-year-old, Jerrad opens up about his own wins, failures, and surprising lessons learned.Through a spontaneous UTV adventure in the Arizona desert, he discovered a truth that changed how he parents: deep connection isn’t built in big, perfectly planned moments, it’s formed in the small, mundane ones. With biblical insight from Deuteronomy and the example of Jesus, Jerrad shows how ordinary life can become the best classroom for pointing your kids to Christ.This episode is an encouragement to slow down, notice the moments you might be missing, and remember that God uses the everyday to shape both your kids’ hearts and yours.What You’ll Learn:Why parenting often gets harder as your kids grow olderHow to build “relational equity” with your kids in simple, everyday waysWhy the mundane moments are often the most spiritually impactfulHow Jesus used ordinary life to disciple His followersPractical ideas to connect with both younger kids and teensHow God uses parenting moments to shape your own faithMentioned in This Episode:Deuteronomy 6:4–7 — Teaching your kids in everyday lifeMatthew 6 & Mark 4 — How Jesus used lilies and storms to teach spiritual truthsArizona ATV AdventuresBook Jerrad to speak: jerradlopes.comGrab Dad Tired and Loving ItToday’s Sponsors: Courage For Life Bible & World Watch News

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/l6cKcqatpt8?si=yIQMZfIQxc-W2pPFWhat if your emotions weren’t the enemy—but the invitation to grow into the man God’s calling you to be?In this powerful solo episode, Chris Hilken explores the complicated relationship men have with their emotions. Most guys tend to fall off one side of the horse: either rejecting their emotions altogether or letting them run the show. But what if there’s a better way?With biblical insight and real-life examples, Chris makes the case that emotions aren’t something to obey or ignore—they’re something to redeem. He shares a practical framework for navigating emotions like anger, fear, and sadness through a gospel lens, helping men avoid the extremes of emotional numbness or chaos.This episode is a call for men to stop being passive with their emotions and start learning how to steward them like Jesus did—intentionally, righteously, and powerfully.What You’ll Learn:Why men are more emotional than they realizeThe 3 questions every man should ask when he feels something deeplyHow to know if your emotions are leading you toward Christ—or away from HimWhy “being true to yourself” is not a biblical ideaWhat Jesus, Nehemiah, and Esther teach us about godly emotionHow to break the pattern of reacting emotionally and start responding spirituallyWhy redeemed emotions can actually strengthen your leadership as a husband and fatherMentioned in This Episode:“Emotions are a check engine light, not a GPS” analogyJonathan Edwards on righteous vs. carnal affectionsMark 11 (Jesus’ righteous anger)Genesis 4 (Cain’s destructive jealousy)Nehemiah 1 and Matthew 27 (sadness that rebuilds vs. sadness that destroys)Esther 4 and Luke 22 (courage vs. fear)Book Jerrad to speak: jerradlopes.comGrab Dad Tired and Loving It: Amazon LinkToday's Sponsor: Classical Conversations