Why Most Men Still Feel Like Boys Inside: Healing Your Childhood Wounds with John Eldredge | 471

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B50C1AlD3aoWhat if the things that slow you down… are the very things God wants to use to form you?In this slow, soulful conversation, Jerrad sits down with Jake Weidmann—a master penman (yes, that’s a real thing) and artist whose life and work are marked by discipline, creativity, and deep intentionality. From carving sacred art to raising four kids, Jake shares how slowing down has reshaped not just his craft—but his soul.They talk about the connection between beauty and time, why being creative has nothing to do with being “artsy,” and how discipline and delight can co-exist in the life of a godly man. Jake opens up about the doubts that haunted his early career, what it means to “exult in monotony,” and the emotional moment he hoisted an Amish barn beam onto his shoulder—realizing he was quite literally taking up his cross.This episode is a breath of fresh air in a world that worships speed.What You’ll Learn:Why slowing down might be the most spiritual thing you do todayHow discipline, doubt, and beauty all shape a man’s soulThe lost art of doing one thing well over a long timeWhat it means to create as a reflection of the CreatorHow parenting and craftsmanship have more in common than you thinkWhy creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for every man made in God’s imageThe surprising story behind Jake’s “Old Rugged Cross” artworkMentioned in This Episode:Jake’s book and artwork: https://jakeweidmann.comG.K. Chesterton’s OrthodoxyThe story of the “pen wizard” and the golden age of handwritingBenedictine wisdom: To work is to prayJerrad’s mantra: “Decades over days”🔗 Resources:Book Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comGrab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBWatch the episode on YouTube and subscribe!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Uovkiigw4gwWhat if the thing that nearly destroyed you… became the thing God used to heal others?In this raw and redemptive episode, Jerrad sits down with Sammy Perez, a man who grew up without a dad, entered the system at age 8, and spent much of his early life in prison. But that’s not where the story ends. Through a prison cellmate, an unexpected visitation, and the unlikely love of a spiritual father, Sammy’s life was completely turned around.Together, they talk about father wounds, the ache for belonging, how prison both broke and saved him, and the long road to healing as a man and dad. Sammy shares the tear-filled moment he gave his life to Jesus behind bars, the first time he saw his son through glass, and how God turned his pain into purpose.This is one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told.What You’ll Learn:Why boys without dads often become men without directionHow shame disconnects us from our story and how healing reconnects usThe surprising moment Sammy met his son for the first timeWhat it looks like to father when you were never fatheredHow a consistent man named Terry changed everythingWhy God’s love can rewire even the hardest heartsThe full-circle moment that brought Sammy back into prisons… this time with purposeMentioned in This Episode:Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree ProgramSammy’s work helping former prisoners reintegrate into societyThe story of Clarence; the cellmate who wouldn’t stop asking Sammy if he wanted to know JesusJerrad’s teaching on 2 Kings 6 and the power of new perspective🔗 Resources:Book Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comGrab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBLearn more about Prison Fellowship: https://www.prisonfellowship.org

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L3ObzPJXwXwWhat if being a “man” had nothing to do with bench press numbers or beard length—and everything to do with becoming a safe place?In this vulnerable and soul-stirring episode, Jerrad sits down with Brant Hansen to talk about what it really means to be a man. From playing the flute and battling shame to protecting the vulnerable and bringing peace to your home, Brant flips the typical narrative of masculinity on its head.They unpack the ache many men feel to be better, why muscle doesn’t equal maturity, and how a man’s deepest strength might just be his gentleness. Brant shares the heart behind his book The Men We Need, what it means to be a “keeper of the garden,” and how every man, no matter his story, can begin again.This one gets deep fast.What You’ll Learn:Why your presence is more than physical proximityHow spiritual formation leads to true masculinityWhy “being strong” often looks like tendernessWhat your tone of voice says about the kind of man you areThe one vision for manhood that could reshape your homeHow to become a non-anxious presence for your wife and kidsWhy it’s never too late to pivot and become the man God’s calling you to beMentioned in This Episode:Brant’s book: The Men We NeedThe Hebrew word for God’s covering in Eden—“royal garments”Lamentations 3 and Philippians 4 as anchors for anxious menBible Memory App for rewiring shame loopsThe “Keeper of the Garden” vision of masculinityHow passive men still make their homes unsafe🔗 Resources:Book Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comGrab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBGet Brant’s book The Men We NeedToday’s Sponsor: Classical Conversations 

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LLFfgIW8OH4In this honest and gritty conversation, Shane Winnings and Jerrad talk about the ache behind every man’s desire to be a good dad—and why good intentions still leave so many guys feeling like they’re failing.Shane shares his own story of growing as a father while leading a national movement to fight fatherlessness. They unpack how wounds from our own dads often fuel our desire to be better, but why motivation alone won’t cut it. From military discipline to spiritual revival, from being physically present to emotionally absent, this conversation gets real fast.They also dive into Shane’s bold new campaign Make Dads Great Again, what’s sparking revival in Gen Z men, how fatherhood videos are breaking algorithms and breaking men open, and why the greatest threat to your calling might be your unchecked hustle.What You’ll Learn:Why proximity doesn’t equal presence in your homeHow to stop “tinkering” and start truly engaging your kidsThe real reason father wounds hurt so deeplyHow to love your family in the way they actually receive loveWhy being faithful at home matters more than platform or ministry successHow revival might already be happening—just not the way we expectMentioned in This Episode:Shane’s viral Make Dads Great Again campaignWesley Huff’s surprising influence on Joe RoganWhy Gen Z men are leading the way back to churchThe trap of high-output, low-impact fatherhoodHow to heal the pain that productivity can’t coverBook Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comGrab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBToday’s Sponsors:DwellBible.com/DadTired

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VDz2Q6cuwskWhy do so many dads feel like they’re failing, even when they’re doing their best?In this honest and soul-stirring conversation, John Eldredge helps us trace the ache beneath our anger, our addictions, and our constant striving. He explains why most men are still chasing love and validation they never received, how childhood wounds shape adult behavior, and why true healing—not behavior modification—is the key to becoming the man your family needs.Jerrad and John unpack father wounds, mother wounds, emotional detachment, and the deep desire for adventure that often gets twisted into sin. If you've ever felt like you're just trying to survive—numbing your pain, doubting your worth, or holding your breath through life—this conversation will help you breathe again.What You’ll Learn:Why behavior change won’t work without soul healingHow father and mother wounds still shape your adult lifeThe two core needs every boy carries into manhoodWhy adventure and validation matter to your spiritual lifeHow to begin healing old attachments and rewire your storyWhat it looks like to fight for your family, your faith, and your futureMentioned in the Episode:Wild at Heart and Resilient by John EldredgeExperience Jesus (John’s new book on healing)Why boys need a thousand moments of delight from their dadsHow your unhealed story gets passed to your kidsJerrad’s punching bag story (and why it felt amazing)Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBToday's Sponsors: Tyndale Study Bibles + World Watch News 

What if the part of you that you hate the most is the part God is most eager to heal?In this episode, Jerrad opens up about a moment that nearly ended him, and the journey that brought him back. He shares a powerful story from his two-week intensive recovery experience, including the surprising object that became a symbol of grace and compassion. If you’ve ever carried shame, hidden pain, or felt like your sin disqualifies you from being loved, this conversation is for you.Whether you’re a husband, father, or man who’s just tired of pretending, this episode is an invitation to drop the shame and discover the healing God offers to the parts of you that feel unlovable.What You’ll Learn:Why shame makes healing so hard, and what finally breaks its grip.The powerful metaphor that helped Jerrad see himself through God’s eyes.How childhood wounds shape adult sin patterns.What Jesus actually thinks about your sin (hint: it’s not what you assume).The difference between guilt, shame, and compassion.A fresh way to view your struggles, and the small boy inside still seeking safety.Mentioned in the Episode:The Dwell Bible App – dwellbible.com/dadtired (25% off for listeners).The two-week men's recovery intensive Jerrad attended.A simple but profound healing exercise involving a stuffed monkey.Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/WDK9O0VZ7loWhat if your marriage wasn’t just surviving—but actually healing you?In this powerful episode, Jerrad sits down with author and speaker Gabe Lyons (The Fight for Us) to talk about the real work of building a thriving marriage—especially when life throws curveballs like special needs parenting, trauma, and unspoken pain.They unpack:The power of radical honesty (and why most couples never get there)How to stop nursing wounds in silence and start creating real intimacyWhy “no secrets” might be the most life-changing marriage ruleWhat to do when you feel emotionally disconnectedHow confession and emotional leadership can radically change your marriage and parentingIf you’ve ever felt stuck in your marriage or unsure how to lead your family spiritually—this conversation is for you.📘 Check out Gabe’s new book: The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides and Build a Marriage That ThrivesInvite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBToday's Sponsor: Classical Conversations Homeschooling

Why do so many men feel stuck—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally—even while doing all the “right” things? In this vulnerable conversation, Kyle Idleman talks about the inner battles men face in silence. He explains why many men hide behind performance and productivity, how healing begins with connection (not accomplishment), and what it really looks like to take every thought captive.Kyle and Jerrad dig into thought patterns that keep men stuck, the mental load of leadership, and why confessing weakness isn’t whining—it’s spiritual obedience. If you’ve ever felt alone, overburdened, or ashamed of not “being further along,” this conversation will help you breathe again.What You’ll Learn:Why men around age 40 often face unexpected internal crisisHow emotional connection—not productivity—defines your healthWhat it looks like to take every thought captive in practical termsThe healing power of confession and friendshipHow to recognize and break negative thought patternsMorning routines, prayer habits, and spoken truth as tools for renewalMentioned in the Episode:Every Thought Captive (Kyle Idleman’s new book)Galatians 6: “Bear one another’s burdens”The power of saying Scripture aloud to renew your mindHealthy male friendships and confession as healing rhythmsThe “+/- 3 of 40” principle: why men change between 37–43Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

What do you do when something isn’t technically sin—but still doesn’t feel right? In this episode, Jerrad shares a vulnerable story from his week that left him convicted, even though no clear line was crossed. He unpacks the concept of “inner, middle, and outer circle behaviors”—a tool from recovery circles—and challenges Christian men to evaluate the subtle patterns that quietly lead to sin, disconnection, or hidden shame.If you’re a husband or father wrestling with old habits, emotional isolation, or unspoken compromise, this episode gives practical language to your inner conflict—and a gospel-centered path toward integrity and healing.What You’ll Learn:How to identify subtle behaviors that lead to sinThe difference between self-care and numbingWhy “middle circle” habits matter for Christian menPractical steps for radical honesty in marriageHow to confess without spiraling into shameWhy healing starts with small, honest steps—not perfectionMentioned in the Episode:The “Inner, Middle, Outer Circle” tool from recovery workDad Tired Retreat (September – signup at dadtired.com)Kids' News Sponsor -World Watch News Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

What do you do when your marriage feels broken—but you don’t know how to fix it? In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson share their story of nearly losing their marriage at year 10, and how God brought them through bitterness, performance, and unmet expectations into healing and intimacy.With over four decades of marriage experience and years of leading marriage ministries, they speak candidly about wounds from the past, what happens when a wife feels unseen, and why husbands often withdraw instead of engage. You’ll also hear practical tools for renewing your mind, healing emotional wounds, and building each other up instead of tearing each other down.What You’ll Learn:What to do when one spouse has “lost all feelings”How past trauma affects your marriage todayWhy healing starts with individual repentance and soul workThe power of affirmation and the damage of chronic critiqueHow to speak life to your spouse (instead of yelling)What it means to be an “azer kenegdo” and partner in the spiritual battleWhy most men feel unloved and unliked in their marriage—and how to change that Links and Resources:Vertical Marriage and How to Speak Life to Your Husband by Dave & Ann WilsonBiblical Reference- Romans 12:2 – the daily renewing of your mind.Pre-order link: Amazon – How to Speak Life to Your HusbandInvite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB