Ever snap at your kids and immediately think, "That's not the dad I want to be"? You're not alone. Most of us are parenting on autopilot—reacting from triggers we don't understand and wounds we've never dealt with. Your brain can't tell the difference between your kid spilling cereal and being chased by a bear. So you flip your lid. In this episode, we break down the difference between mindful and reactive parenting. You'll learn: __Why all emotions are valid, but not all feelings are—and why that distinction matters __The four basic human emotions (glad, sad, mad, afraid) and how they can be taken to extremes or go unfelt __How to identify your parenting triggers (including the ones from your own childhood) __The power of the 3-second pause that changes everything __Why the same consequence can create completely different emotional memories in your kids Here's the truth: Your discipline might look exactly the same whether you react or respond. But your kids know the difference. They feel whether you're doing something to them or for them. Mindful parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about parenting from wisdom, not wounds. From purpose, not patterns. When your kids grow up, you want them to say, "Dad disciplined me, but I know he loved me and wanted what was best." That's the emotional memory we're building—one mindful moment at a time.

What if there existed a singular trait in fatherhood, one that eclipsed all other skills, capable in itself of fostering profound trust and influence? Wouldn't that change everything?

In this shorter summer-series episode, we explore the one character trait that sits at the center of all effective fatherhood: integrity. Through a powerful real-life story of a 7-year-old boy and a deep dive into ancient wisdom and modern insight, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks what integrity really means—far beyond honesty—and why it’s the most essential quality for building trust with your kids.

Discover how your influence as a dad rises or falls based on the degree of alignment between what you say, what you do, and what you believe.

Wanna know what this show is all about? Hear Dr. Mike Ayers discuss what you'll hear and why it's important. We'll tackle tough, real-world topics through values of faith, family morality and masculinity. Don't miss a single episode!

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.