Your teenager is lying to you. Now what? In this episode, I break down four responses that hold the tension between giving consequences and speaking vision. You'll learn why disappointment doesn't mean you're failing, how to separate the behavior from the person, and why these messy teenage years aren't a problem to solve but a tension to manage. If you're navigating lies, pushback, or rebellion right now, this one's for you.

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Here's the truth: A child's deepest wound is an unhealed parent.

In this New Year reset episode, Dr. Mike Ayers shares his own journey of discovering how his childhood wounds were shaping his parenting—and how God used fatherhood to expose what needed healing. You'll learn why self-awareness is the foundation of intentional fatherhood, how to identify the hidden scripts running in your head, and practical steps to break the cycle so your kids inherit your healing instead of your pain.

Whether you grew up in a broken home or a stable one, this episode will challenge you to do the internal work that transforms not just your parenting, but your entire legacy.

In this episode:

• Why your unhealed wounds become your child's deepest pain
• The hidden mental scripts that sabotage your parenting
• Three steps to confront the dark side and find freedom
• How to make 2026 the year your healing becomes their inheritance

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Joseph had one job: raise the Messiah. No pressure. Despite limited mentions in scripture, this humble carpenter profoundly shaped Jesus through daily presence and intentional fathering. In this episode, we unpack five timeless lessons from the man who raised the Savior—principles about honor, responsibility, investing time, true masculinity, and authentic faith. Whether you're a new dad or seasoned veteran, Joseph's example will challenge how you show up for your family. Your daily investment matters more than you know.

When your teen becomes distant and moody, every instinct tells you to give them space. But pulling back is exactly the wrong move. Your teenager needs your steady presence now more than ever—they just won't admit it. Mike shares why the shift from authority-based to influence-based leadership is one of fatherhood's hardest transitions, plus research-backed strategies and hard-won wisdom for staying present without hovering during the beautiful chaos of adolescence.

Joey Womble was Mike's youth pastor at 18, and watching him parent changed everything Mike understood about fatherhood. In this personal conversation, Joey shares hard-won wisdom from four decades of parenting—including his biggest regret and how he navigated his kids through divorce. Joey discusses the power of consistent presence over planned quality time, staying connected with adult children across distances, and the challenging transition from being "in charge" to becoming a friend. Whether you're parenting through difficulty or preparing for future stages, Joey's honest, practical insights will resonate with every intentional dad.

We're not trying to be bad parents, but we're more distracted than ever—and our kids are paying the price. From devices to pride, Mike breaks down five common ways dads neglect their kids without even realizing it. With the busy holiday season approaching, this episode offers practical solutions to help you stay present with what matters most. Your to-do list will never be done, but your kids won't be young forever. Don't miss them.

Despite having more wealth, technology, and comfort than any generation in history, we're less happy than people were in the 1950s. Why? This Thanksgiving week, we explore why gratitude has become a radical practice in our discontent culture. Drawing from the story of ten lepers and modern research, we'll discover why gratitude is a discipline, not a feeling—and how learning to notice and appreciate imperfect gifts can transform our hearts and break the grip of ingratitude.

A big purpose without a strategic plan is a big flop. This episode walks you through the Father Friend Model—a developmental roadmap from birth through adulthood. Learn the 7 core insights and 4 quadrants that show what your kids need at each stage: Strong Protector (0-6), Confidence Builder (7-12), Steady Anchor (13-20), and Faithful Friend (21+). Discover the strategic actions to father with courage and a plan. How you father today shapes who they become tomorrow.