In this episode, Pastor Kaleb Allen discusses his personal struggles with fatigue and the subsequent return of motivation, exploring the addictive nature of productivity. He emphasizes the importance of devotion to God over mere productivity, referencing Kierkegaard's philosophy on single-minded devotion. Allen warns against fractured motivations in the Christian life and highlights the need for intentionality, attention, and perseverance in one's devotion to Jesus.

In this engaging conversation, Jerrad and Laura Wifler reconnect after years apart, discussing Laura's journey as the co-founder of Risen Motherhood, her passion for writing poetry, and the unexpected success of their podcast. They delve into the decision to sunset Risen Motherhood, emphasizing the importance of protecting their family and the content they created. The conversation also touches on practical insights for dads and husbands, highlighting the significance of small acts of service in a marriage. In this conversation, Laura Wifler discusses the complexities of motherhood, marriage, and parenting through a gospel-centered lens. She highlights the invisible labor that mothers often carry, the importance of communication in relationships, and how to navigate the mental load of family responsibilities. Laura also shares her personal journey with her daughter's disabilities and how it has shaped her faith and ministry, emphasizing the hope found in community and God's purpose in pain.

In this episode, Chris Hilken addresses various questions related to biblical perspectives on birth control, the nature of conversations between God and Satan, the concept of salvation before the gospel, and how to discuss sensitive topics like masturbation with children. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's intentions for family and sexuality, and the necessity of evangelism for those who have not heard the gospel.

In this conversation, Kaleb Allen and Seth Bumgarner discuss the life and legacy of David Brainerd, a missionary known for his struggles and perseverance in the wilderness of life. They explore themes of friendship, the importance of acknowledging one's struggles, and the selflessness that can emerge from difficult seasons. The discussion emphasizes that a life dedicated to serving Jesus, even amidst trials, can lead to a profound legacy that inspires others.

In this conversation, David Pollock shares his journey from being an NFL player to a devoted father and husband. He discusses the challenges he faced after a career-ending neck injury and how it shaped his perspective on life, faith, and family. David emphasizes the importance of personal growth through trials and the role of faith in his life. He also reflects on his parenting style and the dynamics of his marriage, highlighting the significance of having a supportive partner. In this conversation, David and Jerrad explore the themes of faith, personal growth, and parenting in a performance-driven world. They discuss the importance of discipline in both faith and life, the challenges of parenting in today's society, and the role of sports as a teacher of life lessons. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance between sports and spirituality, and the significance of instilling values in children that prioritize character over performance.

In this episode, Pastor Chris Hilken addresses several pressing questions regarding faith, sin, and relationships. He discusses the struggle with sin, particularly addiction to pornography, and the implications for salvation. He emphasizes the importance of viewing sin seriously and the need for genuine repentance. The conversation then shifts to the interpretation of biblical texts, particularly the distinction between allegorical and literal readings. Chris also explores the complexities of friendships between men and women, highlighting the potential dangers and the wisdom of maintaining boundaries. Finally, he addresses the topic of divorce and remarriage, providing insight into biblical teachings and the importance of seeking forgiveness and moving forward with grace.

In this episode, Kaleb explores the theme of navigating the wilderness in life, drawing on historical examples like Dietrich Bonhoeffer to illustrate the struggle with identity and purpose during challenging times. He emphasizes the importance of turning aside to God, approaching Him with reverence, and focusing on who God is rather than solely on personal identity. Practical steps for engaging with God in wilderness seasons are also discussed, encouraging listeners to seek solitude, adoration, and a deeper understanding of God's character.

In this episode, Jerrad shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of parenthood and the emotional turmoil that can arise unexpectedly. He emphasizes the importance of identifying the lies we believe about ourselves and the necessity of surrounding ourselves with friends who can speak truth into our lives. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and find freedom in the truth.

In this episode, Chris Hilken addresses profound questions about forgiveness, sexuality, communion, and the afterlife. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's grace in the context of self-forgiveness, explores the complexities of sexual identity and its implications for faith, discusses the symbolic nature of communion in Christianity, and clarifies misconceptions about the visibility of loved ones in heaven. Through thoughtful insights and theological perspectives, Chris provides a compassionate and nuanced approach to these significant topics.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Forgiveness: A Journey Within

03:37 Exploring Sexuality: Nature vs. Nurture

14:06 The Symbolism of Communion: A Theological Perspective

18:54 The Afterlife: Can Loved Ones See Us?

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In this episode, Kaleb Allen dives deep into the story of Elijah's wilderness experience and how it relates to the spiritual highs and lows we all face. Using 1 Kings 19 as a foundation, Kaleb reflects on Elijah’s journey from calling down fire on Mount Carmel to feeling utterly defeated and lying under a broom tree, asking God to take his life. Kaleb unpacks the lessons we can learn from Elijah about not taking ourselves too seriously, the importance of caring for our physical bodies, receiving God's love, listening for His voice in the quiet, and allowing God to renew our purpose.

This episode is for anyone feeling worn out, frustrated, or spiritually dry. Through Elijah’s story, Kaleb offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to keep pressing on even in the wilderness moments of our lives. Whether you’re battling fatigue, discouragement, or the temptation to give up, this episode will help you find Jesus in the wilderness of your soul and remind you that God’s plans for you are not finished yet.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Part 4 of the 6-week series: Kaleb reflects on "pastor's fatigue" and the emotional crash after a Sunday of preaching.

01:50 – How adrenaline-filled Sundays often lead to discouraged Mondays and how relatable Elijah’s story is in this context.

02:24 – 1 Kings 19:4: Elijah prays to God asking to take his life. How Elijah’s despair speaks to the wilderness moments we face in life.

04:49 – Point 1: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Elijah’s dramatic prayer and the importance of laughing at ourselves in difficult moments.

07:11 – God’s response to Elijah: He sends an angel to feed Elijah instead of rebuking him. The kindness and grace of God in our weakest moments.

09:32 – Point 2: Taking care of your physical body is essential. Addressing the spiritual and physiological connections in wilderness seasons.

11:55 – Point 3: Let God love you. The importance of receiving God's love even when we feel we’ve failed or are frustrated with ourselves.

14:16 – Elijah’s search for God in the dramatic (earthquake, fire, wind) and realizing that God often speaks in the gentle whisper.

16:42 – Personal reflection: Kaleb shares a story about fatherlessness and the temptation dads face to give up when feeling unappreciated.

18:25 – Practical steps: Laugh at yourself, care for your body, let God love you, listen for God's whisper, and allow Him to renew your vision.

20:49 – Reflection on immaturity: God lavishes His love on us even in our immaturity. How we can receive His grace no matter where we are in life.

23:12 – Final encouragement: Elijah’s highs and lows illustrate God’s mercy. Even when Elijah wanted to give up, God still had a plan for him.

23:55 – Closing thoughts: Press on, even when you're in the wilderness, and lean into God’s plans and love.

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• Instagram: @dad.tired
• Website: DadTired.com

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In this powerful and raw episode of the Dad Tired podcast, Jerrad sits down with Pedro LaTorre, speaker, author, and coach, to dive deep into Pedro's personal story of fatherhood, healing, and breaking free from performance-driven living. From childhood trauma to finding freedom in Jesus, Pedro shares how his life experiences have shaped him as a father and husband.

Key Moments:

• [00:01] – Jerrad introduces Pedro amidst the chaos of a flooded house and sets the tone for an honest conversation.
• [01:26] – Pedro shares his background: being half Puerto Rican, half Cuban, and growing up with a name that confuses people.
• [03:16] – Daddy-daughter day with Pedro's 3-year-old and the small moments that matter most.
• [05:35] – Pedro talks about the emotional healing journey that helped him become more present as a father.
• [07:58] – Discussing the importance of knowing God enjoys us, and how that fuels us to enjoy our families.
• [08:41] – Pedro opens up about the deep pain caused by his father leaving and childhood abuse, which led to a performance addiction in his life.
• [11:36] – The turning point in Pedro’s life after an injury ended his professional baseball dreams and led him into ministry.
• [16:16] – The “performance addiction” Pedro struggled with and how it impacted his relationships, including his marriage.
• [19:12] – Pedro talks about how COVID shut down his life in LA and how he dealt with the struggle of being still.
• [27:58] – What it means that Jesus’ sacrifice was covenantal, not transactional, and how that changes our lives as fathers.
• [36:53] – Pedro recounts the life-changing moment when he asked his wife, “What’s it like being married to me?”
• [47:16] – The importance of community, healing, and embracing feelings to live out the life God intends for us as men.

Resources Mentioned:

• Tin Man Ministries – Emotional wellness resources for men
• Dr. Chip Dodd’s "Voice of the Heart" – A recommended book on emotional healing