What if the part of you that you hate the most is the part God is most eager to heal?In this episode, Jerrad opens up about a moment that nearly ended him, and the journey that brought him back. He shares a powerful story from his two-week intensive recovery experience, including the surprising object that became a symbol of grace and compassion. If you’ve ever carried shame, hidden pain, or felt like your sin disqualifies you from being loved, this conversation is for you.Whether you’re a husband, father, or man who’s just tired of pretending, this episode is an invitation to drop the shame and discover the healing God offers to the parts of you that feel unlovable.What You’ll Learn:Why shame makes healing so hard, and what finally breaks its grip.The powerful metaphor that helped Jerrad see himself through God’s eyes.How childhood wounds shape adult sin patterns.What Jesus actually thinks about your sin (hint: it’s not what you assume).The difference between guilt, shame, and compassion.A fresh way to view your struggles, and the small boy inside still seeking safety.Mentioned in the Episode:The Dwell Bible App – dwellbible.com/dadtired (25% off for listeners).The two-week men's recovery intensive Jerrad attended.A simple but profound healing exercise involving a stuffed monkey.Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
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26:40
No Secrets, No Shame: Building a Marriage That Heals | Gabe Lyons 469
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/WDK9O0VZ7loWhat if your marriage wasn’t just surviving—but actually healing you?In this powerful episode, Jerrad sits down with author and speaker Gabe Lyons (The Fight for Us) to talk about the real work of building a thriving marriage—especially when life throws curveballs like special needs parenting, trauma, and unspoken pain.They unpack:The power of radical honesty (and why most couples never get there)How to stop nursing wounds in silence and start creating real intimacyWhy “no secrets” might be the most life-changing marriage ruleWhat to do when you feel emotionally disconnectedHow confession and emotional leadership can radically change your marriage and parentingIf you’ve ever felt stuck in your marriage or unsure how to lead your family spiritually—this conversation is for you.📘 Check out Gabe’s new book: The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides and Build a Marriage That ThrivesInvite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GBToday's Sponsor: Classical Conversations Homeschooling
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36:01
Why Men Feel Spiritually Stuck (and How To Break Free) | Kyle Idleman 468
Why do so many men feel stuck—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally—even while doing all the “right” things? In this vulnerable conversation, Kyle Idleman talks about the inner battles men face in silence. He explains why many men hide behind performance and productivity, how healing begins with connection (not accomplishment), and what it really looks like to take every thought captive.Kyle and Jerrad dig into thought patterns that keep men stuck, the mental load of leadership, and why confessing weakness isn’t whining—it’s spiritual obedience. If you’ve ever felt alone, overburdened, or ashamed of not “being further along,” this conversation will help you breathe again.What You’ll Learn:Why men around age 40 often face unexpected internal crisisHow emotional connection—not productivity—defines your healthWhat it looks like to take every thought captive in practical termsThe healing power of confession and friendshipHow to recognize and break negative thought patternsMorning routines, prayer habits, and spoken truth as tools for renewalMentioned in the Episode:Every Thought Captive (Kyle Idleman’s new book)Galatians 6: “Bear one another’s burdens”The power of saying Scripture aloud to renew your mindHealthy male friendships and confession as healing rhythmsThe “+/- 3 of 40” principle: why men change between 37–43Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
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52:30
The Subtle Sins We All Ignore & Building a Life of Integrity| 467
What do you do when something isn’t technically sin—but still doesn’t feel right? In this episode, Jerrad shares a vulnerable story from his week that left him convicted, even though no clear line was crossed. He unpacks the concept of “inner, middle, and outer circle behaviors”—a tool from recovery circles—and challenges Christian men to evaluate the subtle patterns that quietly lead to sin, disconnection, or hidden shame.If you’re a husband or father wrestling with old habits, emotional isolation, or unspoken compromise, this episode gives practical language to your inner conflict—and a gospel-centered path toward integrity and healing.What You’ll Learn:How to identify subtle behaviors that lead to sinThe difference between self-care and numbingWhy “middle circle” habits matter for Christian menPractical steps for radical honesty in marriageHow to confess without spiraling into shameWhy healing starts with small, honest steps—not perfectionMentioned in the Episode:The “Inner, Middle, Outer Circle” tool from recovery workDad Tired Retreat (September – signup at dadtired.com)Kids' News Sponsor -World Watch News Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
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38:56
How to Rebuild Your Rocky Marriage and Lead with Love|466
What do you do when your marriage feels broken—but you don’t know how to fix it? In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson share their story of nearly losing their marriage at year 10, and how God brought them through bitterness, performance, and unmet expectations into healing and intimacy.With over four decades of marriage experience and years of leading marriage ministries, they speak candidly about wounds from the past, what happens when a wife feels unseen, and why husbands often withdraw instead of engage. You’ll also hear practical tools for renewing your mind, healing emotional wounds, and building each other up instead of tearing each other down.What You’ll Learn:What to do when one spouse has “lost all feelings”How past trauma affects your marriage todayWhy healing starts with individual repentance and soul workThe power of affirmation and the damage of chronic critiqueHow to speak life to your spouse (instead of yelling)What it means to be an “azer kenegdo” and partner in the spiritual battleWhy most men feel unloved and unliked in their marriage—and how to change that Links and Resources:Vertical Marriage and How to Speak Life to Your Husband by Dave & Ann WilsonBiblical Reference- Romans 12:2 – the daily renewing of your mind.Pre-order link: Amazon – How to Speak Life to Your HusbandInvite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.comRead The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
You’re tired.
Not just physically; though yeah, that too.
You’re tired in your bones. In your soul.
Trying to be a steady husband, an intentional dad, a man of God… but deep down, you feel like you’re falling short. Like you’re carrying more than you know how to hold.
Dad Tired is a podcast for men who are ready to stop pretending and start healing.
Not with self-help tips or religious platitudes, but by anchoring their lives in something (and Someone) stronger.
Hosted by Jerrad Lopes, a husband, dad of four, and fellow struggler, this show is a weekly invitation to find rest for your soul, clarity for your calling, and the courage to lead your family well.
Through honest stories, biblical truth, and deep conversations you’ll be reminded:
You’re not alone. You’re not too far gone. And the man you want to be is only found in Jesus.
This isn’t about trying harder.
It’s about coming home.
Ireland