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.

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, how fathers uniquely shape the courage and character of their children, and why now more than ever, the world needs men who are willing to protect, provide, and sacrifice for what’s right.

This isn’t about bravado. It’s about bravery. Real masculinity serves. Real men show up. And real fathers lead with love.

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, starting now.

You’ll discover how to slow down, stay present, and build memories that last—so you’re not haunted by “what ifs” years from now. This is a reminder that time is relentless—but with intention and grace, you can use it well.

Because one day will be the last bedtime story, the last piggyback ride, the last bedtime whisper “I love you, Daddy.”
Make sure you’re there for it.

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.

Discipline isn’t about control—it’s about connection. In this episode, Dr. Mike Ayers shares six essential principles—what he calls the 6 C’s of Discipline—to help dads correct with love, communicate clearly, and build trust through consistency. Whether you’re raising a toddler or a teen, these truths will equip you to lead with strength, wisdom, and compassion at any age or stage.

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.
Visuals and more details of the model may be found at fatherfriend.net.