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 pressures, and parenting challenges, while celebrating the joy, love, and growth these years bring.

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 practical tips and diagnostic questions, this episode helps parents encourage their kids’ dreams while ensuring joy and well-being remain at the heart of their journey.

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 cracks through confession, self-awareness, and God’s grace. Learn how to break cycles of isolation and shame, anchor your identity in Christ, and deal radically with temptation.