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
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
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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
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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
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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.