Are you leading your home, or just reacting to whatever happens next? If you feel like you're always playing defense, this episode is for you.

In Part 3 of our series From Overwhelmed to Intentional, Kent and Lawson get painfully honest about the difference between reacting and responding, and why that gap matters in fatherhood. You'll hear how great leaders put "thinking" between the moment and their mouth, why your intent isn't the same as your impact, and how repentance can actually remove pressure from your kids.

You'll also get a practical reframe for the busyness trap, especially when family schedules start running the house. Sports, activities, money, time, energy. What's the real win, and what's the real cost?

If you want to lead with direction and humility instead of constantly living on edge, press play.

Check out our friend Pat Combs' book "More Than The Score" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/auLJ57G

Want to shape the direction of the show this year? Leave us a voicemail and tell us what you're facing as a dad: manhoodjourney.org/podcast Scroll down to "What's Your Story?" and leave us a message!

You're not a father on accident. Go be a father on purpose.

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Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/

Download the Iron Circle worksheet here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m05JCFzCjqA

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Help us get to 100 members of the Fatherhood Guard! Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining today. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book "Don't Bench Yourself" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1qBF3RJ

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

Ever feel like you're talking… and it goes straight through your kid's ear and right out the other? This week in part 2 of our series we're calling "From Overwhelmed to Intentional," Kent and Lawson get super practical about communication with your kids, especially in the teen years.

You'll be challenged to consider why "Why won't they listen?" might be the wrong question, how your posture and timing matter more than your volume, and why listening is not weakness, it's leadership leverage. Lawson shares a real story from a weekend with his daughter in New York that reframed how he shows up in deeper conversations. Kent breaks down how to season hard conversations with grace (Colossians 4:6), ask questions that are not "gotchas," and trade control for influence so your kids learn to listen to God, not just comply with you.

If you want the kind of relationship where your kids, no matter the age, want to talk to you, this is a deposit worth making.

Want to shape the direction of the show this year? Leave us a voicemail and tell us what you're facing as a dad: manhoodjourney.org/podcast Scroll down to "What's Your Story?" and leave us a message!

You're not a father on accident. Go be a father on purpose.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/

Download the Iron Circle worksheet here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6indEkhVF4s

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Help us get to 100 members of the Fatherhood Guard! Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining today. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

Ever wondered how Father On Purpose decides what to talk about?

In this episode, Kent and Lawson pull back the curtain and let you step into the "kitchen," the behind-the-scenes process where upcoming episodes get planned and filtered through one question: What does Scripture say Christian dads actually need right now?

You'll hear how the show balances Scripture, practical tools, and real-life stories without winging it and without sounding scripted. You'll also get a sneak preview of our brand new series which will cover the next five weeks: From Overwhelmed to Intentional. If you feel stretched thin, reactive at home, or like you never have enough time, this series is built for you.

Here's what's coming over the next five weeks:

• Time: You don't need more time. You need clarity about what matters most in this season.
• Communication: If you want to be heard, you have to hear.
• Leadership vs reacting: Stop getting caught off guard and start leading on purpose.
• Discipleship: You don't have to be perfect to disciple. You have to be present.
• Regret and redemption: God does some of His best work after we think we failed.

Want to shape the direction of the show this year? Leave us a voicemail and tell us what you're facing as a dad: manhoodjourney.org/podcast Scroll down to "What's Your Story?" and leave us a message!

You're not a father on accident. Go be a father on purpose.

Go back and listen to our amazing conversation with Scott MacLellan: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/letting-jesus-be-your-childs-savior-with-scott-maclellan/

Check out Scott's book "An Acre Of Fools:" https://a.co/d/dqU3fa7

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RGuxYX1S0VU

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Help us get to 100 members of the Fatherhood Guard! Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining today. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

Ever feel like you're carrying everything alone and you're not even sure how it got this way? Scripture is clear: wise men don't walk solo. In this episode, Kent and Lawson talk about how to surround yourself with godly counsel, why "I don't have time" is usually a smokescreen, and what's really going on underneath it (apathy, arrogance, or insecurity).

You'll also get a simple, free tool you can use right away: the Iron Circle Worksheet, created with our partners at Man in the Mirror. It helps you identify the growth areas you actually need help with, then connect those needs to real men who can sharpen you.

If you want 2026 to look different, this is a great place to start: build your circle, get wisdom, and stop trying to do life alone.

Download the Iron Circle Worksheet TODAY: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle

Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/

Here are some of our favorite episodes that hit on the same themes of community and walking through life surrounded by godly counsel:

Episode 214: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/whose-shoulders-are-you-standing-on/

Episode 188: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/building-stronger-relationships/

Episode 162: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/sharing-a-piece-of-yourself-with-others/

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X0dZgWc37aU

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining the Fatherhood Guard. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

Are you heading into 2026 feeling like you're supposed to have a big New Year's resolution, yet something about that whole system feels off?

In this episode, Kent and Lawson do something different. They "interview" each other about 2025 and talk honestly about what God taught them, where life was hard, and where God showed up with unexpected strength, healing, provision, and joy. You'll hear stories about 30-year anniversaries, job changes, parenting kids in different seasons, weddings, health scares, and the kind of perspective shift that happens when you stop and remember what God has already done.

This conversation is also a simple template you can use with a brother, a friend, your dad, or your adult son. Sit down, trade notes, and look for God's fingerprints on the year you just lived. As you start a new year, remember this: you're not going to become the dad your family needs by accident. Let's walk into 2026 with gratitude, wisdom, and purpose.

Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/

Download the Iron Circle worksheet here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QooqOzaa4xs

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining the Fatherhood Guard. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

What if one five-minute message could strengthen another man's faith, marriage, and fatherhood?

In this unique and unexpected episode of Father On Purpose, Lawson steps out solo (kind of...) to share a heartfelt encouragement rooted in Scripture, brotherhood, and years of walking alongside Kent Evans. You'll also get some behind the scenes experience from producer Alex, Kent's oldest son. If you learn one thing from this episode, we hope it's this: no dad is meant to do life alone. God gave us the gift of community to sharpen, steady, and strengthen us. This episode also serves as a special thank you to Kent Evans, co-founder of Manhood Journey and the mind behind Father On Purpose. From Lawson, Alex, and the countless dads whose lives have been changed by Kent, we are truly grateful.

Lawson introduces the idea of an "Iron Circle," a small group of men who walk with you through fatherhood, marriage, and faith. Drawing from Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4, and 1 Thessalonians 5, he challenges dads to intentionally encourage the men God has placed in their lives, not someday, but now.

You'll hear why encouragement is not optional for Christian men, how Kent's obedience helped shape Manhood Journey, and why Scripture, not personality, must always be the foundation of biblical fatherhood. If you've ever felt isolated as a dad, this episode is for you. You are not meant to father alone, so go hunt for community that helps you on your journey of becoming a Father On Purpose. Merry Christmas from Kent, Lawson, and Alex!

Learn more about the Iron Circle here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/

Become an Anger Free Dad today: https://manhoodjourney.org/anger-free-dad/

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P0jtKZaIZPM

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining the Fatherhood Guard. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

What if family movie night could do more than kill time? Today, Kent and Lawson try something brand new: a simple plan for hosting a Christmas movie night that ends with a meaningful conversation, not everyone sprinting to bed. They use It's a Wonderful Life as the example, then show you how to do the same thing with any movie that fits your family. You'll hear how to pull out character lessons from George Bailey, Mary, and even the villain, Mr. Potter, plus how to tailor questions for an 8-year-old, a teenager, or a college kid home for break. Grab the free discussion guide below, use it to tee up the night, and turn a familiar tradition into a discipleship moment. You are not a father on accident, so go be a Father On Purpose.

Download the Family Discussion Guide here: https://bit.ly/movie-discussion-guide

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_gYbkISx0hY

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining the Fatherhood Guard. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

Ever walk away from a conversation and realize you did almost all the talking…again? As dads, we often think our "advice" is what will change our kids, when in reality, it might just be the questions we ask...or don't ask. In this episode, Kent and Lawson unpack why some men dominate every conversation, why others never ask anything deeper than small talk, and why a humble, curious dad is a great listener instead of a constant lecturer.

Kent tells the story of a simple question that completely disarmed him: "What kind of tension does that cause for you?" That one line forced him to search his own heart, not just react with an opinion. From there, the guys walk through why Jesus asked so many questions, how Proverbs 20:5 paints your child's heart like deep water, and what it looks like to draw it out instead of just "fixing" everything with quick advice.

You'll hear super practical examples of questions you can use this week with your kids, your wife, and even that talkative uncle at Christmas. Things like, "What was that like for you?", "Could you explain that to me a bit more?", and "What about that excites you or concerns you?" Plus, Kent shares his "clay on the wheel" analogy for shaping a conversation with your child using their words and their goals, not just yours.

If you've ever wondered why your kids don't open up, or you want to be a dad who talks less and understands more, this episode will help you step into holiday gatherings—and everyday moments at home—with a heart that is both curious and humble.

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nktheEfq93o

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining the Fatherhood Guard. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

What does it look like to stay faithful as a dad while navigating high-pressure work, culture, and calling? This week Kent and Lawson sit down with Disney legend turned Chosen creative executive Rick Dempsey for a conversation packed with wisdom, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories (yes… including a helicopter ride with Phil Collins). Rick shares how he viewed decades at Disney as a mission field, how localization taught him to connect more deeply with his kids, and why the "deposit vs withdrawal" principle Steve Jobs taught him might be the most important parenting idea you hear this year.

He opens up about choosing intentional fatherhood even with a global job and why your 60s and 70s might be your most influential decades for the Kingdom. If you've ever wrestled with time, calling, influence, or what legacy really looks like, this conversation will encourage and challenge you in all the right ways.

https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pDfwmt1-qrM

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

• Range Leather: Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15
• Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/

• Fatherhood Guard – Connect with dads from over 20 states and at least 2 countries by joining the Fatherhood Guard. Grab your welcome hat at https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/

• Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon

• Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf
• Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools

• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.

What if the best Christmas you ever gave your family had nothing to do with what was under the tree? In this episode, Kent and Lawson talk honestly about money pressure, comparison, and the expectation that "good dads" should deliver a huge Christmas every year. They share stories from tight-budget Decembers, laugh about Buzzsaw Louie and Tesla wish lists, and then slow down long enough to ask a better question: What is all this gift giving actually teaching our kids?

Walking through passages like Psalm 107 and Acts 20, they unpack the difference between generosity and consumerism, why it is more blessed to give than receive, and how to reset unrealistic expectations before Christmas morning. You will pick up practical ideas like simple Advent rhythms, service-based "gifts," low or no cost traditions, and creative ways to bless neighbors, teachers, and exhausted young parents without adding financial stress.

Whether this year has been lean or abundant, this conversation will help you point your kids away from "who got the biggest gift" and back to the Savior who never changes. As we head into this year's Christmas season, remember, you are not a father on accident, so go be a father on purpose.

We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jbRAn65x8EM

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• Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: [email protected]

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About our hosts:

• Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events, and authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.