Have you ever felt like you're still trying to prove yourself as a dad?
In this episode, Kent and Lawson sit down with Jeff Zaugg of Dad Awesome to talk about the deeper issues that shape a man's fatherhood: identity, freedom, intentionality, wonder, leadership, and healing from the past.
Jeff shares how years of interviews, ministry, and real-life fatherhood led to the six core discoveries in his new book, Dad Awesome. Along the way, this conversation gets honest about the weight many dads still carry from their own upbringing, the lies that keep men stuck, and the freedom that comes from receiving God's love instead of trying to earn it.
This episode is biblical, practical, and full of hope for the dad who wants to lead his family well but knows he cannot do it alone. In this conversation, you'll hear:
- Why fatherhood is bigger than the chapter you're in right now
- How your identity shapes the way you show up at home
- Why healing does not happen in isolation
- The power of brotherhood and accountability in a dad's life
- How wonder and delight can transform your relationship with your kids
- What it looks like to lead from freedom instead of shame
If you've ever felt like God is holding a clipboard and waiting for you to measure up, this episode is for you.
Buy Jeff's latest book Dad Awesome: https://www.dadawesome.org/book
Learn more about Jeff's ministry: https://www.dadawesome.org/
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MEET THE 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 authored four books. The most recent, Don’t Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit. He and his wife April have been married for three decades and they have five sons.
Lawson Brown married his high school sweetheart, and is a father of two adult daughters. He’s a business leader and a former (always!) Marine. He’s served as a small group leader, helped launch ministries and a church plant where he served as its Men’s Ministry leader. His faith journey has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men who’ve been brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.
FEATURING GREAT GUESTS
Gary Chapman
Ken Blanchard
Chip Ingram
“Y’all are teaching Godly wisdom in ways that I can understand and put to use raising these 8 kiddos of mine, and to be a more present and respectful husband! Keep it up Brothers! God bless y’all!”
–Cody C.
“I’ve been listening to the Father on Purpose podcast for about 3-4 months or so now and I absolutely love the fathering advice that is discussed. This show has helped be become a better father day after day.”
–Matthew S.
RECENT PODCASTS
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
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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
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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
Listen Now:
What’s Your Mission as a Dad?
Being a godly dad is hard work. Challenges abound, and sometimes, we just need some ideas, encouragement, and a little laughter along the way. So, we created the Father On Purpose Podcast to have real, fun, and practical conversations about being dads. Fatherhood is awesome, sacred, and hard all at the same time. We don’t have all the answers, but together as dads, we’ll try to figure it out.