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.
Why do we fight for our kids? Because the stakes have never been higher. In this episode, we explore how a clear cause fuels courage—and why fathers need both to navigate today's cultural battles. We're not just raising children; we're fighting for their minds, hearts, and futures. Fatherhood isn't about being heroic—it's about being willing to sacrifice everything. When you know why you fight, you'll find the courage to pay the cost.
Becoming a dad changes a man instantly — and in this episode, I get to watch that transformation in my own son. Brandon and I talk honestly about the moment Mabel arrived, the joy, the weight, the wonder, and how God equips ordinary men for extraordinary love. We explore serving your wife through pregnancy, learning as you go, and why this sacred calling is both gift and responsibility. If you’re a new dad or expecting one, this episode holds special value.
In this episode, Mike shares one of his most personal stories yet—the pain of growing up without an engaged or affectionate father, and the redemptive journey of discovering what true fatherhood looks like through God Himself.
It’s a story of healing, forgiveness, and transformation—how being fathered by God can empower you to become for your children what you never had for yourself.
If you’ve ever carried wounds from your past or wondered how to break the cycle, this one’s for you.
Your voice as a father does more than correct or instruct—it shapes identity. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks the lasting impact of a dad’s words, weaving together personal stories, biblical insight, and practical psychology to show how affirmation builds strength while careless words leave wounds that echo for years. Discover how to speak life into your children, even if you've blown it before, and learn how your voice becomes their inner voice.
Baseball, faith, and fatherhood all share one thing—perspective. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers sits down with Kansas City Royals scout and longtime coach Darwin Pennye to talk about how sports can shape character, build connection, and reveal a father’s heart. For dads raising kids in athletics, this conversation reminds us that winning isn’t the goal—relationship is. This episode is a must listen for any dad with kids in sports.
Every child longs to know they are enough. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers explores how a father’s vision and voice shape a child’s identity, either building insecurity through conditional love or cultivating unshakable worth through unconditional love. Through real-life stories, biblical insight, and practical wisdom, discover how to see your kids as lovable, capable, and uniquely designed by God. Learn how your words and presence can echo the Father’s voice: “I choose you.”
Every dad has authority—but how you use it determines whether your kids follow from fear or trust. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks the difference between positional leadership and personal leadership, showing how true influence comes through character, connection, and Christ-like servant leadership. Discover why authority isn’t about control, but about discipleship, credibility, and love. Learn how to lead your children’s hearts, not just their behavior.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Dr. Mike Ayers reminds dads that courage isn’t built in comfort—it’s forged in risk, failure, and persistence. In this Father Friend episode, he unpacks why modern parenting often sidelines courage and what dads can do to restore it in their kids. From stopping the rescue reflex to modeling bravery, instilling vision, teaching kids to manage fear, and encouraging them to stand out rather than blend in, this episode equips fathers with practical tools to raise strong sons and daughters inspiring them to live boldly in today’s world as difference-makers.
What happens when a bestselling thriller author opens up about being a dad? In this special episode of the Father Friend podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers sits down with New York Times bestselling author Marc Cameron—known for his work on seven Tom Clancy novels and his own Arliss Cutter series. Together, they dive into the world of writing, discipline, and creativity while exploring the deeper role of fatherhood. Marc shares personal stories, insights, and lessons learned as both a writer and a father. It’s a candid, encouraging conversation you won’t want to miss. [marccameronbooks.com]
Trust is the foundation of a healthy father-teen relationship—but what does it really mean to trust your teen, and how do you rebuild it when it’s been lost? In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks two powerful concepts: The Trust Cycle and The Trust Account. Learn how everyday decisions either deposit or withdraw from your teen’s trust account, and why rebuilding trust requires time, consistency, and intentional leadership. If you’re a dad navigating the ups and downs of teenage independence, this conversation will give you practical steps to lead with wisdom, patience, and grace.
When children are struggling, they're almost always telling us—but rarely with words. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers explores five critical warning signs that your child may be facing emotional difficulties. From isolation patterns to sleep disruptions, learn how to recognize the signals your child is sending and understand what they really mean. Featuring practical guidance on when and how to seek help. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or work with young people, this episode provides essential tools for identifying struggling children before their challenges become crises. Don't miss these important insights.
Every dad leaves a mark, but when it comes to faith, the impact runs deeper than we often realize. In this episode of the Father Friend podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks how children form their first picture of God—not from church or Bible stories, but from the way they experience their dad. From everyday moments in the aisle of a hardware store to the legacy of daily prayer, you’ll learn how authentic faith is more caught than taught. Discover practical ways to model, guide, and pass on a faith that sticks for a lifetime.
In this essential episode, Dr. Mike Ayers breaks down the 8 crucial rules every parent needs before handing their child a smartphone. With the average age for a first cell phone now at just 11.6 years old, and mounting research linking excessive screen time to sleep disruption, mental health issues, and impaired social skills, parents need a proactive game plan.
These aren't just rules—they're relationship-savers that will help your family maintain connection while navigating the digital world safely and intentionally.
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.