In this powerful solo episode of The Craft of Fatherhood Podcast, host Ned Schaut closes out his four-part marriage retreat series with a heartfelt message that blends raw honesty, practical wisdom, and encouragement for fathers. Sharing lessons from Greg and Julie of Married for a Purpose, Ned unpacks why we must stop defining relationships by differences, how to discipline our minds to focus on promises instead of problems, and the life-changing power of saying, “I didn’t handle that right.” Fathers will walk away with simple but profound tools to strengthen their marriages, model humility for their children, and lead their families with love, integrity, and purpose.

00:00:00 - Welcome

00:01:43 - The Foundation: Love Yourself, Love Your Spouse, Teach Your Kids

00:03:00 - We Become What We Think About

00:03:39 - Stop Thinking About Problems, Start Thinking About Promises

00:05:25 - Shift #1: Stop Defining by Our Differences

00:07:00 - Shift #3: Stop Building a Case Against Your Spouse

00:07:30 - Shift #4: Discipline Your Mind (Book Recommendations)

00:08:57 - The Sentence That Changes Everything: "I Didn't Handle That Right"

00:09:24 - How to Apologize to Your Wife and Kids

00:10:57 - Be the Man You Wish Others Would Be

00:11:40 - Closing: You Matter, Fatherhood Matters