Becoming a dad changes a man instantly — and in this episode, I get to watch that transformation in my own son. Brandon and I talk honestly about the moment Mabel arrived, the joy, the weight, the wonder, and how God equips ordinary men for extraordinary love. We explore serving your wife through pregnancy, learning as you go, and why this sacred calling is both gift and responsibility. If you’re a new dad or expecting one, this episode holds special value.
In this episode, Mike shares one of his most personal stories yet—the pain of growing up without an engaged or affectionate father, and the redemptive journey of discovering what true fatherhood looks like through God Himself.
It’s a story of healing, forgiveness, and transformation—how being fathered by God can empower you to become for your children what you never had for yourself.
If you’ve ever carried wounds from your past or wondered how to break the cycle, this one’s for you.
Your voice as a father does more than correct or instruct—it shapes identity. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks the lasting impact of a dad’s words, weaving together personal stories, biblical insight, and practical psychology to show how affirmation builds strength while careless words leave wounds that echo for years. Discover how to speak life into your children, even if you've blown it before, and learn how your voice becomes their inner voice.
Baseball, faith, and fatherhood all share one thing—perspective. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers sits down with Kansas City Royals scout and longtime coach Darwin Pennye to talk about how sports can shape character, build connection, and reveal a father’s heart. For dads raising kids in athletics, this conversation reminds us that winning isn’t the goal—relationship is. This episode is a must listen for any dad with kids in sports.
Every child longs to know they are enough. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers explores how a father’s vision and voice shape a child’s identity, either building insecurity through conditional love or cultivating unshakable worth through unconditional love. Through real-life stories, biblical insight, and practical wisdom, discover how to see your kids as lovable, capable, and uniquely designed by God. Learn how your words and presence can echo the Father’s voice: “I choose you.”
Every dad has authority—but how you use it determines whether your kids follow from fear or trust. In this Father Friend episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks the difference between positional leadership and personal leadership, showing how true influence comes through character, connection, and Christ-like servant leadership. Discover why authority isn’t about control, but about discipleship, credibility, and love. Learn how to lead your children’s hearts, not just their behavior.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Dr. Mike Ayers reminds dads that courage isn’t built in comfort—it’s forged in risk, failure, and persistence. In this Father Friend episode, he unpacks why modern parenting often sidelines courage and what dads can do to restore it in their kids. From stopping the rescue reflex to modeling bravery, instilling vision, teaching kids to manage fear, and encouraging them to stand out rather than blend in, this episode equips fathers with practical tools to raise strong sons and daughters inspiring them to live boldly in today’s world as difference-makers.
What happens when a bestselling thriller author opens up about being a dad? In this special episode of the Father Friend podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers sits down with New York Times bestselling author Marc Cameron—known for his work on seven Tom Clancy novels and his own Arliss Cutter series. Together, they dive into the world of writing, discipline, and creativity while exploring the deeper role of fatherhood. Marc shares personal stories, insights, and lessons learned as both a writer and a father. It’s a candid, encouraging conversation you won’t want to miss. [marccameronbooks.com]
Trust is the foundation of a healthy father-teen relationship—but what does it really mean to trust your teen, and how do you rebuild it when it’s been lost? In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks two powerful concepts: The Trust Cycle and The Trust Account. Learn how everyday decisions either deposit or withdraw from your teen’s trust account, and why rebuilding trust requires time, consistency, and intentional leadership. If you’re a dad navigating the ups and downs of teenage independence, this conversation will give you practical steps to lead with wisdom, patience, and grace.
When children are struggling, they're almost always telling us—but rarely with words. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers explores five critical warning signs that your child may be facing emotional difficulties. From isolation patterns to sleep disruptions, learn how to recognize the signals your child is sending and understand what they really mean. Featuring practical guidance on when and how to seek help. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or work with young people, this episode provides essential tools for identifying struggling children before their challenges become crises. Don't miss these important insights.
Every dad leaves a mark, but when it comes to faith, the impact runs deeper than we often realize. In this episode of the Father Friend podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks how children form their first picture of God—not from church or Bible stories, but from the way they experience their dad. From everyday moments in the aisle of a hardware store to the legacy of daily prayer, you’ll learn how authentic faith is more caught than taught. Discover practical ways to model, guide, and pass on a faith that sticks for a lifetime.
In this essential episode, Dr. Mike Ayers breaks down the 8 crucial rules every parent needs before handing their child a smartphone. With the average age for a first cell phone now at just 11.6 years old, and mounting research linking excessive screen time to sleep disruption, mental health issues, and impaired social skills, parents need a proactive game plan.
These aren't just rules—they're relationship-savers that will help your family maintain connection while navigating the digital world safely and intentionally.
What if there existed a singular trait in fatherhood, one that eclipsed all other skills, capable in itself of fostering profound trust and influence? Wouldn't that change everything?
In this shorter summer-series episode, we explore the one character trait that sits at the center of all effective fatherhood: integrity. Through a powerful real-life story of a 7-year-old boy and a deep dive into ancient wisdom and modern insight, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks what integrity really means—far beyond honesty—and why it’s the most essential quality for building trust with your kids.
Discover how your influence as a dad rises or falls based on the degree of alignment between what you say, what you do, and what you believe.
This brief Summer Vibes episode is a must-listen for any dad running on fumes. Fatherhood is sacred—but it’s also exhausting. If you’ve been operating in survival mode, this one’s for you. Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks five practical, soul-renewing moves to help you shift from barely hanging on to thriving with purpose. Learn why your health isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. Because when a dad is restored, his whole house is too.
In today’s 5-minute Father Friend episode, a part of the Summer Vibes Series, we unpack one of the most overlooked challenges in parenting: entitlement. It’s something kids are born with—and it’s something we unintentionally train into them. From overpraising to solving every problem, well-meaning dads can feed entitlement without even realizing it. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers shares five parenting patterns to avoid—and what to do instead—to raise grounded, grateful, and resilient kids in a world that says they’re owed everything.
The Summer Vibes Series— 5-minute Episodes to Grow as a Dad.
In today’s image-obsessed culture, girls are bombarded with pressure to define their worth by likes, filters, and appearance. This episode challenges that narrative and equips dads with a better one. Discover how to affirm your daughter in ways that build lasting confidence, character, and faith. You’ll learn why a father’s voice is so powerful, how to shift her focus from surface to substance, and why inner beauty must be celebrated over external perfection. Let’s raise daughters who know they’re worth more than the world tells them.
Part of the Summer Vibes Series— 5 Minute Episodes to Grow Your Fatherhood! What is a Father Friend—and why should every dad make it his goal? In this episode, we unpack the concept behind the Father Friend model: a vision for fatherhood that balances strength and tenderness, discipline and presence, authority and affection. Too many dads think they must choose between being respected or being close to their kids—but the truth is, great fathering does both. You don’t have to choose between being your child’s father or their friend. You’re called to be both—and we’ll show you how. Discover the mindset, model, and maturity required to lead your children with love and purpose through every stage of their development.
As fireworks light the sky and grills fire up this July 4th, let’s talk about more than celebration—let’s talk about legacy. In this special Independence Day episode of Father Friend, Dr. Mike Ayers explores what it means to raise kids who value freedom, sacrifice, and national pride in a culture that’s rapidly letting those values go. Learn practical ways to teach your children about the meaning of Independence Day, the power of sacrifice, and why we stand for the flag. This episode will help you lead your family with truth, gratitude, and intentionality—while still having fun along the way.
More in the Summer Vibes Series... 5 Minute Episodes to Help You Grow As a Dad. Ever blown up at your kids and instantly regretted it? You’re not alone. In this honest episode, I share a few moments I’m not proud of—and the hard-won lessons I’ve learned about losing my cool as a dad. We’ll talk about what to do after the outburst: how to calm down, own your mistakes, reassure your kids, and take inventory of what’s really going on beneath the surface. I’ll also share a practical “tap in, tap out” strategy you can use with your spouse, and how to prepare for the next time anger flares up. This episode isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, humility, and healing. Let’s grow together.
This is a 5-minute episode in our special Summer Vibes series running for the next 5 weeks. In “Reproducing Ourselves: The Power of Dad’s Example” we explore how your everyday choices shape your child’s future. Long before your kids repeat your words, they’ll mirror your life. What you model, they’ll multiply. This short episode challenges you to lead with intentionality, knowing your example is your loudest voice.