How Do You Dad?

In this powerful episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with Larry Nicelli to discuss repentance, putting family first, and raising children in the scriptures. 

Larry shares his own testimony of how God transformed his parenting, teaching him that it wasn’t just about providing for his children, but winning their trust and shaping their hearts through His Word. Together, Joe and Larry explore how repentance, daily time in God's Word, and intentional discipleship can transform a family and help build a legacy of faith across generations.

If you're a father who wants to lead your family well, this episode is a powerful reminder that the time to invest in your children's hearts is now.

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with Rick McKinley for an honest conversation about fatherhood, ministry, mistakes, and grace.

Rick shares what he wishes he had done differently, from being away too much for ministry to learning how to truly listen to his children. They talk about conflict, saying “I’m sorry,” giving your kids a voice, and the importance of letting your children know—no matter what—that they are loved.

At the heart of it all is a simple challenge for every dad: preach the gospel to yourself first, and make sure your kids know you love them.

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with Marty Hofmann to talk about raising children who don’t just follow your rules, but actually make your values their own.

They explore family discipleship, teaching kids to hear from God, parenting adult children, and knowing when to give advice—and when to let them learn for themselves. At the heart of it all is one powerful principle: maintain an open-heart relationship with your child, and you won’t lose them.

Whether you’re raising young kids or learning to parent grown children, this conversation will challenge you to build a relationship where your children can truly own their faith.

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow explores the connection between spiritual intimacy and emotional wellness—and how our relationship with God can become the stabilizing force in our lives.

Joe shares why the awareness of God’s presence changes the way we respond to our families, our circumstances, and our emotions. From the fruit of the Spirit to the power of praise, prayer, and the Word, he unpacks how we can learn to draw from the Holy Spirit instead of running on our own emotional reserves.

Whether you're struggling with your emotions, leading a family, or simply wanting to grow closer to God, this conversation will challenge you to ask a deeper question: What am I carrying into the room—and what am I bringing to the people around me?

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with Kevin Brennan to talk about the lessons, traditions, and relationships that shape a family.

Kevin shares what he learned from his own father, how he and his wife raised four children, and why consistency, faith, family meals, and simply being present can make such a lasting impact. They talk about discipline without condemnation, creating a home where conversation matters, and why the family table can become one of the most powerful places to shape your children.

This conversation not only provides grounded insight into fatherhood, but begs the question: what could happen if you stayed a little longer at the table?

You can find Kevin's website here: https://christiansotw.com/And his daughter Meghan's Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2FE8NNe9w00ToRTBRVcuKr?si=eOjJpno2QcOVoVRxlYnNDQ&utm_source=copy-link

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with Dr. J.C. Aikenhead to talk about what it really means to be a father.

J.C. shares how he parents with strength, love, and intentionality while learning to cultivate his children’s unique personalities, dreams, and God-given potential. Together, they explore the importance of connection before correction, allowing kids to experience failure, and guiding them without crushing their will.

At the heart of it all is one powerful idea: if you want to influence your children, you have to win their hearts.

Tell them you love them. Show them you love them. Win their hearts, not just their obedience.

You can connect with Dr. JC on instagram @specializedgolf, or his website at www.specializedgolf.org.

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with Vito Locascio to talk about the beauty—and the challenge—of fatherhood over the long haul.

Vito shares candidly about learning to parent by God's grace, staying present through every season, admitting when he missed important moments, and discovering that it's never too late to rebuild connection with your children.

Together, Joe and Vito explore what it means to love your family faithfully, delight yourself in the Lord, and become the kind of father who never gives up.

Whether you're raising young children or enjoying grandchildren, this conversation is a reminder that great dads aren't perfect—they simply keep showing up.

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow sits down with musician, apologist, and father of four Gregory Hyde to talk about what it really means to raise children with an eternal perspective.

Gregory shares practical wisdom on modeling authentic faith, building family rhythms around God's Word, discipling children through everyday life, celebrating godly character, and helping kids become the people God created them to be.

Whether you're a new dad or have been parenting for years, this conversation will encourage you to keep Christ at the center of your home and remember the ultimate goal of fatherhood: raising children who faithfully follow Jesus.

In this episode of How Do You Dad?, Joe Barlow tries something a little different—he sits down with AI to ask the same question he usually asks fathers: "How do you dad?"

The conversation uncovers a powerful truth: great fatherhood isn't just about good intentions—it's about how your children experience you.

Through personal stories, biblical insight, and thought-provoking questions, Joe explores what it means to become a father whose strength feels like safety, whose correction is rooted in love, and whose children know, without a doubt, that he is for them.

Whether you're a dad, grandfather, or mentor, this episode will challenge you to ask one life-changing question:

"What is it like to be on the receiving end of me?"

This week we're sharing a special message from our Sunday church service in celebration of Father's Day. My son-in-law, Danny Hochstatter, who leads our church gave this message I felt was very important for all fathers.

What makes a great father? Is it setting rules? Protecting your family? Teaching your children right from wrong? While those things matter, Scripture points us to something even deeper: a father who reflects the heart of God.

In this encouraging message, we explore the biblical calling of fathers to set godly standards, unlock the potential in their children, and model what it means to be a beloved son of the Father.

Whether you're a dad, a mom, a parent, a mentor, or simply someone longing to better understand the Father's love, this message is a reminder that the greatest fathers are those who first learn to live as beloved sons and daughters of God.

We pray this Sunday message encourages you to experience the Father's heart and reflect it to those around you.