What does entitlement look like in fatherhood—and why is it so dangerous when we don’t even realize it’s there?

In Episode 3 of the Relatively Functional Dads podcast, we talk about the subtle ways entitlement creeps into our lives as dads. It rarely shows up as arrogance. Instead, it sounds like, “I worked hard… I showed up… I did the right things… so now I deserve this.” The problem is, when entitlement enters the home, love slowly becomes transactional—and that changes the emotional and spiritual temperature of a family.

We share real stories from our week as dads (the wins and the “Should’ve Known Better” moments), and then we dive into a deeper conversation about:

• How entitlement quietly turns effort into expectation
• How “I deserve this” can show up in our tone, patience, and presence-
• The ways entitlement can damage connection with our wife and kids
• Why entitlement often comes from exhaustion, feeling unseen, or wanting relief
• How gratitude is one of the main ways we fight entitlement
•  What it looks like to stop demanding return and start receiving from God as sons

This is a fatherhood podcast focused on faith, fatherhood, spiritual growth, and family leadership—for dads who want to be present, intentional, and grounded in their faith.

Key Reminder:
Entitlement turns acts of love into transactions.

Weekly Reflection:
Where am I expecting something instead of receiving everything as grace?
What would it look like to replace entitlement with gratitude this week?

Episode Mentions:
Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms – Justin Whitmel Earley - https://a.co/d/0dC8sxkP

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send questions and feedback to [email protected]

Music Provided By: Derek McClardy Spotify

How much does your relationship with your dad shape the way you father your kids?

In Episode 2 of the Relatively Functional Dads podcast, we explore how our fathers shaped us—for better and for worse—and how God continues to father us through the places we’re still growing, healing, and maturing.

We also share real-life dad moments from the week, including a Big Dad Energy win and a classic Should’ve Known Better moment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How your upbringing affects your parenting
• The “fathering scripts” we all inherit about work, rest, anger, affection, and faith
• Why the danger isn’t having a script—it’s never examining it
• The stages of masculine growth and development
• How God meets us in the places we missed or got stuck
• How to honor your dad while still healing from what you didn’t receive
• What it looks like to rewrite the script for your family

This episode is about growth, healing, faith, and becoming intentional fathers—no matter what kind of dad you had.

Key Reminder:
You don’t get to choose your dad—but you do get to choose what you do with the story.

Weekly Reflection:

• Take time to name the scripts handed to you by your dad. What are you grateful for and want to build on? Which do you want to rewrite for your family?
• Ask yourself: Which stage do you need God to meet you in right now? How do I need God to father me to provide wholeness?

Episode Mentions:

• Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You – John Eldredge - https://a.co/d/04hfnF6K
• ANBESSA | A BPN Media Film on Haftu Knight
• Is 30yrs Old Too Young to Lead? with John Eldredge
• 6 Stages of the Masculine Journey - John Eldredge - 
  1. Beloved Son – Being seen, delighted in, provided for; safe and secure attachment
  2. Cowboy/Ranger – Freedom to play, test strength, and navigate the world through adventure and hard work
  3. Warrior – Strength, courage, and initiation; learning to fight for what is right
  4. Lover – Tenderness, intimacy, and connection; leading a wife and family
  5. King – Responsibility, blessing, and legacy; ruling with wisdom and humility
  6. Sage – Wisdom, mentorship, and counsel to younger generations as an “elder at the gates”

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send questions and feedback to [email protected]

Music Provided By: Derek McClardy Spotify

What does it mean to be fathered by God—and how does that change the way we father our kids?

In Episode 1 of the Relatively Functional Dads podcast, we talk about Christian fatherhood, parenting, faith, and the reality of being imperfect dads trying to lead our families well. We share real stories from our week as dads (the wins and the “Should’ve Known Better” moments), our personal fatherhood journeys, and the biggest surprises we’ve experienced as fathers.

We also dive into a deeper conversation about:

• How becoming a dad changes the way you see God as Father
• Why you can’t give what you haven’t received as a parent
• The importance of being safe, seen, secure, and soothed (attachment theory and parenting)
• The unhealthy places dads often go for comfort, identity, and relief
• Practical ways to let God “father” you in everyday life

This is a fatherhood podcast focused on faith, fatherhood, spiritual growth, and family leadership—for dads who want to be present, intentional, and grounded in their faith.

Key Reminder:
Don’t try to be a better dad. Try to be a present son.

Weekly Reflection:
What does letting God father me look like in this season?
How can I go to Him first to feel safe, secure, seen, and soothed?

Episode Mentions:

• Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms – Justin Whitmel Earley - https://a.co/d/0fnff08l
• The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson - https://a.co/d/0fef3Kx9

We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or send questions and feedback to [email protected]

Music Provided By: Derek McClardy - Spotify