What 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 Cost
2️⃣ Brotherhood
3️⃣ Address Wounds
4️⃣ Build Habits
5️⃣ Cherish Your Spouse
6️⃣ Raise Your Kids
7️⃣ Live the Bigger Calling

Resources Mentioned:
Dadology Parenting Conference
Donate To The Ministry
FREE PDF worksheet
The One Year Bible
Lectric 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 discipleship
• Explain big doctrines in simple language your kids can grasp
• See how the Ascension reveals Jesus as both Savior and King
• Understand the connection between Christ’s reign and your everyday mission
• Bring faith into your family’s ordinary rhythms

Prayer:
“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 Mentioned
Acts 1:9–11
Ephesians 4:10
Daniel 7:13–14
Philippians 2:5–11
Hebrews 7:25

Resources & Links
Today’s Sponsor: The Hands-On Bible by Tyndale
Operation Christmas Child
Bring A Dad Tired Conference To Your Church
Become a Monthly Partner

What 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 blessing
• Learn why “beloved sonship” is the foundation of manhood
• Recognize how your own father wounds impact your parenting
• Discover what true initiation into manhood looks like
• See how God can redeem your family’s story through you

Whether 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 Mentioned
Isaiah 51:1–2
Luke 3:21–22
Ephesians 1:5–6
Proverbs 22:6
Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Resources & Links
Today’s Sponsor: The One Year Bible by Tyndale
Register for the Dad Tired x Quarry Project Father–Son Trip → thequarryproject.com
Invite Jerrad to Speak at Your Church
Become 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 disorder
• Understand why God calls men to faithfulness in the small things first
• Learn seven practical ways to clean up “sloppy” areas of your life
• See how physical order can become a daily act of spiritual worship
• Prepare your heart for the bigger mission God’s about to call you into

Whether 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 Mentioned

Psalm 139:23–24
Proverbs 4:23
Luke 16:10
1 Corinthians 14:33
Colossians 3:23

Resources & Links

Today’s Sponsor: Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child
Invite Jerrad To Speak At Your Church
Become A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTube

Feeling 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 CONFERENCE

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Dad Tired
01:10 – Why men are feeling the call to lead again
03:45 – The problem with shallow men’s ministry
06:00 – What God is stirring in this season
09:00 – How to know if God is prompting you
11:30 – Step 1: Count the Cost
14:00 – Step 2: Build the Brotherhood
16:30 – Step 3: Heal the Wounds
19:00 – Step 4: Create the Habits
21:30 – Step 5: Cherish Your Wife
24:00 – Step 6: Train Up Your Kids
27:00 – Step 7: Find a Bigger Calling
29:30 – Why this matters for the next generation
31:00 – 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 voice
• How Charlie Kirk’s final words point us to courage and hope
• The danger of being overly eager or overly cautious in discipleship
• What it means to “count the cost” before putting your hand to the plow

This 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 today
• How to hold onto hope when life feels like it’s falling apart
• Why remembering who you are in Christ can anchor you through hardship
• The difference between the world’s identity labels and God’s declaration over you
• Nine reasons Peter gives us to bless God, even in suffering

Whether 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 Mentioned
1 Peter 1:1–5
Exodus 14–15
Philippians 1:6
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
John 16:33
Psalm 34:18

Resources & Links
Today’s Sponsor: World Watch News
Invite Jerrad To Speak At Your Church
Become A Monthly Partner

Watch on YouTube

What 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 Christ
• The difference between choosing hardship (like Alone) and enduring pain you never asked for
• How to anchor your family in gospel hope when life feels unbearable
• Why men need brothers in Christ to speak truth when they’re drowning in lies
• What it looks like to find joy, purpose, and community even in seasons of deep suffering

Whether 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 Mentioned
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
Matthew 5:4
Romans 8:18–25
John 16:33
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
Psalm 34:18
1 Peter 1:6–7
James 1:2–4
Philippians 1:6

Resources & Links
Today’s Sponsors: World Watch News
Visit Sam’s church: Redemption Hill Bible Church – Hickman, Nebraska
Invite Jerrad To Speak At Your Church
Become A Monthly Partner