Father Friend

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...

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 fro...

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, ...

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 s...

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 ...

The Fathering Years are Crazy; Embrace the Crazy is a heartfelt, humorous podcast for dads navigating the wild ride of fatherhood. Hosted by Dr. Mike Ayers, a dad of three now-grown kids, this special Father’s Day episode dives into the chaos of raising children—from toddler tantrums to teen eye-rolls and twenty-something life advice calls. With warmth and wit, it explores the trifecta of stressors: career demands, financial pressu...

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the delicate balance between pushing kids to thrive and pushing too hard in sports, academics, and beyond. Through personal stories, we unpack how parental pressure can stem from our own need for validation, not just our kids’ potential. Backed by research, including a 2021 study showing 25% of kids face anxiety or depression, we discuss how to foster perseverance without compulsion. With pract...

In Facing Fatal Flaws: Saving Your Life From Ruin, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks the hidden character defects that threaten to unravel even the most faithful lives. Drawing from C.S. Lewis, Scripture, and personal stories, this episode explores how a single unchecked flaw—pride, lust, materialism, or addiction—can erode your legacy, marriage, and faith. With raw honesty and practical wisdom, Dr. Ayers offers a roadmap to confront these cr...

Is masculinity something to hide—or something to redeem?

In a culture quick to criticize manhood, Dr. Mike Ayers offers a bold, faith-filled defense of what it means to be a man of honor. Drawing from history, fatherhood, Scripture, and powerful real-life stories, Mike explores a vision of masculinity that is strong but selfless, courageous but compassionate.

You’ll hear why servant-hearted leadership is the highest form of strength,...

What if the greatest regret of your life isn’t something you did—but something you missed?

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Mike Ayers explores how to regret-proof your fatherhood by turning fleeting minutes into unforgettable moments. Through deeply personal stories—including the bittersweet transition of giving his daughter away in marriage—Mike reflects on how easily we lose track of what matters most and how we can reclaim it, sta...

What does your child think you think of them?
That one question can change everything—and in this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers unpacks why. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and one father’s painful wake-up call, you’ll discover how your vision as a dad becomes the emotional mirror your child learns to live by. Plus, four practical ways to start seeing your kids differently—because how you see them shapes who they become.

You’ve heard the vision—now it’s time to put structure to it. In this episode, we break down The Father Friend Model, a research-backed, real-life framework for fatherhood. Whether you're raising toddlers, ten-year-olds, or teens, this practical guide walks you through the four key roles every father must grow into—Leader, Coach, Mentor, and Father-Friend. Because raising great kids starts with becoming a purposeful dad.
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Being a dad isn’t about drifting through the years—it’s about leading on purpose. In today’s episode, we talk about the vision every dad needs: to become the Father-Friend your child will trust, respect, and want to follow for life.

In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers challenges dads to stop drifting and start leading with purpose. You’ll discover the power of a clear, compelling vision for fatherhood—and learn how to begin the journey ...

In this powerful first episode of the Father Friend Podcast, Dr. Mike Ayers tackles one of the hardest but most necessary conversations a dad can have—talking to your teen son about sex. Drawing from over 30 years of parenting, pastoral leadership, and education, Dr. Ayers offers a candid, faith-based roadmap to help dads lead with courage, clarity, and grace. You’ll learn why this talk matters more than ever, how to cast a vision ...